Nepali Congress Leader Gagan Thapa Pledges Accountability and Change Following Recent Events

Nepali Congress President Gagan Thapa stated that instead of denial or seeking political dividends from the incidents of Bhadra 22, 23, and 24, the party has adopted a path of 'duty' to accept the truth, take responsibility, and provide solutions. He mentioned that this election was not sought by the party, but the turn of events has brought the party and the nation to a new situation, stating that the Congress has emerged having made itself 'new' and is now resolved to change the country as well. Highlighting that this election has brought the Congress and the nation to a place of new responsibility, he firmly resolved that the party has come after completely 'changing' itself and is now determined to change the country. He stated that the new leadership emerging after the Special General Convention is continuing the values and principles (freedom and equality) of the Congress while adopting timely changes. The 'New Congress' has committed to not seeking government power by compromising on principles, launching a massive campaign against corruption, purifying institutions, and standing as a force that 'reconciles and manages' based on national interests.

Events of Bhadra 23-24: Rejecting Denial and Dividend-Seeking Gagan Thapa stated that two dangerous tendencies have been observed regarding the events of Bhadra 23 and 24: 'denial' (claiming nothing happened or it was a conspiracy) and 'dividend eating' (spreading agitation like pouring oil on fire to gain benefit). He said the Nepali Congress has decided to stay away from both. The party has adopted the path of fulfilling its 'duty' by accepting the truth, taking responsibility, and providing solutions.

Public Anger and Dissatisfaction: Not Fleeing, But Listening and Reflecting He mentioned that since Bhadra 22, the country has not been well, and citizens have vented their anger towards their own favored parties, leaders, and leadership. Thapa stated that the Congress must listen to, understand, and internalize this anger, question its own shortcomings, but also ensure that violence and destruction are punished.

New Congress: Continuity and Change The new leadership emerging after the Special General Convention has made the Congress 'new'. According to him, this is not a complete rebirth, but a renewal of old values and principles (freedom and equality) while adopting changes according to the times. He committed to continuing the legacy of leaders like BP and Ganesh Man, abandoning bad practices, and making the party modern, smart, and efficient.

Values and Principles Over Government The Congress has made it clear that it does not seek government power by compromising on principles. Characterizing the coalition as a 'fraudulent alliance' ('thagbandhan'), Thapa committed to stopping the partisan politicization of institutions, purifying the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA), courts, and offices, and avoiding power-sharing arrangements.

Massive Campaign Against Corruption and Institutional Reform Calling corruption the biggest disease in society, he announced that the Congress will launch a massive campaign against it from top to bottom. He emphasized controlling corruption by strengthening institutions and reforming systems, and practicing the constitution.

National Interest and Unifying Force Presenting the Congress as a 'unifying force' and 'moderate force,' General Secretary Thapa resolved to convert mistrust into trust, manage the country, and begin a new chapter of development. He claimed that only the Congress can guarantee that incidents like those on Bhadra 23-24 will not be repeated after Phagun 21.

Appeal to Voters: Door-to-Door Campaign He urged all cadres to go door-to-door, neighborhood-to-neighborhood, to convey the message that the Congress has changed. He stated that they must engage in dialogue with old voters, angry youth, and even those leaning towards new parties, urging them to vote for the 'tree' symbol. He praised the contribution of party General Secretary Pradip Paudel, referring to him as a 'responsible rebel.'

Changed Congress, Changing Nation Gagan Thapa said, 'We have come after changing the Congress; now it will also change the country.' He stated that in this election, the Congress has gone before the public with a new resolution, prioritizing values, principles, and national interest. – News Agency Nepal