Chief Minister Kamal Bahadur Shah Questions Leadership, Backs Gagan Thapa for Party President

Dhangadhi. Nepali Congress leader and Sudurpaschim Province Chief Minister Kamal Bahadur Shah has questioned the respect and status of former party president Sher Bahadur Deuba and sought answers from the leadership. He posed tough questions to the leadership at a provincial-level gathering and training program held in Dhangadhi on Saturday. He said, “Let the Nepali Congress clarify its stance on the position, status, and respect of our respected leader Sher Bahadur Deuba today. I want to ask—why was he deprived of a ticket? The workers and people of Sudurpaschim need an answer to this.”

Chief Minister Shah expressed his views on the future leadership of the party, stating that Gagan Thapa will definitely be the president for the next 10 years. “As I see it, it is certain that Gagan Thapa will be the president of the entire Nepali Congress for the next 10 years; there is no disagreement on this,” he said.

He also urged caution, warning that some individuals within the central working committee could destroy the party. “There are some 'mandales' and 'viral' elements within your working committee; be aware of them. They can destroy you,” he said.

Shah expressed concern that Congress has suffered its biggest defeat by such a large margin in history. He urged the leadership to understand the reasons for not being able to gain public support. Furthermore, he declared that he would never compromise on corruption and was ready to resign from his basic membership if any action tarnished the party's image.

Some leaders from the Deuba faction were absent from the gathering.

At the gathering, Congress leader Bhim Baduwal stated that the meeting should focus on overall improvement, unity, and future strategies rather than who received tickets. He said, “The former president was not given a ticket considering his health condition and other factors; we cannot say this is the sole reason for our defeat. We take this question naturally. Now, we all need to understand and work from the grassroots on how to move forward. There is no benefit in operating in factions anymore. Everyone must unite.”