Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: Nepali Congress (NC) President Gagan Kumar Thapa has claimed that the government’s working style is increasing uncertainty, frustration and anger among people.
Addressing the party’s Central Working Committee meeting in Lalitpur on Sunday, Thapa said he had been in regular communication with people and found growing disappointment with the government’s performance. “When I talk to people, I find them frustrated. They say yesterday was not good, today is no better and tomorrow will not be any different. Some people are angry,” he said.
Thapa also said the growing public anger may have prompted recent statements by Prime Minister Balendra Shah and Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) President Rabi Lamichhane. He said the NC should not be happy about the growing anger among people and must take it seriously.
Thapa recalled telling then-Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and then-NC President Sher Bahadur Deuba in Parliament in the last week of August last year that people were angry with the NC.
“I had even warned in the Central Working Committee at that time about possible public resistance,” Thapa said. “But they told me we needn’t worry as we came here after winning the election.”
Thapa claimed that the incidents of September last year did not occur suddenly. “It had been building among people and was reflected in the March 5 voting,” he added.
He also criticized what he called “governance anarchy” under the current government. “This government has lost its way. It is our responsibility to bring it back on track by keeping a watch on it,” he added.
Thapa also accused the government of trying to exceed its constitutional limits. “The executive has started saying that even the judiciary’s jurisdiction falls within its domain. It has started saying constitutional bodies must follow its orders. It has started saying parliament must follow its orders,” he said. “The state is suffering from governance anarchy. This government should not be allowed such impunity.”
He urged the government to operate within its constitutional limits. “You can increase the speed, and you can choose not to apply the brakes. But you cannot go outside the lane,” Thapa said.
Thapa reiterated that the Special General Convention was held as per the party statute and that he would firmly pursue the related legal process.
“Those who were dissatisfied with the special convention went to court. The court made a decision last week,” Thapa said. “We will now go to court and defend ourselves with confidence. What was true in the special general convention hall, in the Election Commission and in the court cannot become untrue.”
Thapa also said he would not be forced to reverse his decisions through pressure or threats. “I will not be frightened by intimidation, nor will I be suppressed by pressure. I know the statute. I will not go beyond the limits of the statute,” he said.
Thapa said he had huge respect for leaders who have contributed more to the party than he had. “This is a party of four generations. There are leaders in the party who have contributed more than I have in terms of age. I respect them,” he said. “It is the responsibility of the president, and mine, to take everyone along.”
