National issues more important than NC’s internal disputes: Thapa

KATHMANDU: Nepali Congress (NC) President Gagan Kumar Thapa has said that national issues are more important at present than internal disputes within the party.

Speaking at a program in Kathmandu on Sunday, Thapa said the party should not become entangled in internal conflicts while ignoring the country’s pressing concerns. “Today, I have stepped into the shoes worn by late BP Koirala. These shoes are the most valuable, strongest and most reliable,” Thapa said. “Should the President of the NC, who has stepped into these shoes, focus on the country’s problems or on household quarrels?”

He said the contributions of leaders, who emerged through long struggles within the NC, had been dedicated to democracy and people’s rights. The struggle, he said, was aimed at ensuring people’s freedom, dignity and participation through democracy while bringing change to public life.

Thapa emphasized the need for internal discussions to make the party clearer and stronger on key political issues. Referring to calls for a special general convention, he said the NC was not limited only to its organizational structure but also represented the sentiments of millions of supporters and well-wishers. “When I argued for holding a special general convention, my point was this: who is the NC? Can we say the NC consists only of those sitting within the organizational structure?” he questioned.

Thapa also claimed that the NC had lost the support of around one million well-wishers and supporters this time and said he was working to regain their trust. “I want to reach out to those one million supporters and well-wishers. As party president, I want to reassure them. Whatever made them identify with the NC, I want to restore that,” he said.

The NC president also said he had been continuously working to unite the party. ” I have been engaging in dialogue everywhere, from public platforms to leaders’ homes, in an effort to bring all sides together,” Thapa added

He also said that no one would be deprived of opportunities based on whether or not they participated in the proposed special general convention. “Decisions related to provincial governments, parliamentary parties, local bodies or sister organizations would not be made on that basis,” Thapa clarified.