Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: Nepali Congress (NC) President Gagan Kumar Thapa has denied any financial dealings or involvement in improper activities in connection with the dispute over the party’s official status.
In a video message posted on his social media pages on Thursday, Thapa said a deliberate campaign of misinformation is being carried out against him.
“A rumour about the legitimacy of the Nepali Congress has taken the political arena by storm. This is a rumour spread with malicious intent, and we completely reject it,” he said.
Thapa said party Senior Vice President Bishwo Prakash Sharma had already made the party’s position clear at a press conference held at the party’s central office on Wednesday. He added that the party and its leadership were ready to face any form of investigation.
Responding to an audio recording reportedly linked to Inam Sapkota, who is currently in police custody, Thapa said he had no information about where, when, why or by whom the conversation was recorded.
“Where was that audio recorded? Who spoke? Why and when was it recorded? I don’t know. Was it spoken voluntarily or was someone made to say it? I don’t know that either,” he said.
Thapa maintained that he did not need to issue repeated public clarifications simply because his name had been mentioned in the audio. Instead, he called for an impartial investigation into the matter.
“The questions should not be directed at us. They should be asked where they need to be asked. Once a proper and fair investigation is conducted, everything will become clear. We are waiting for that,” he said.
Describing the special general convention as a revolt within the party, Thapa said he and his supporters had joined a movement initiated by grassroots party members seeking change. He said the movement was inspired by the need to respect the revolt staged by young people on September 8 and 9 and the subsequent realization that change was necessary within the party.
Thapa categorically denied any financial dealings or impropriety in the political and legal battle over the party’s official status.
“Not even a single rupee has been involved in any financial transaction or improper activity. Nothing of that sort has happened,” he said.
He also cautioned against linking his meetings with leaders of other political parties to rumours about possible arrests or the audio controversy.
Thapa said he had held meetings in his capacity as party president to discuss political issues, including the vote of confidence sought by the Madhesh Province government.
“I am not someone who gets frightened, and there is no reason for me to be afraid. I am the president of the NC, and I have certain duties to fulfil in that capacity,” he said.
He said his meetings with NCP Chairperson Pushpa Kamal Dahal, Janata Samajbadi Party (JSP) Nepal leader Upendra Yadav and CPN-UML Chairperson KP Sharma Oli were part of routine political consultations.
Expressing dissatisfaction with the government’s performance, Thapa said the government should prioritize the rehabilitation of people displaced by natural disasters, resolve the problems of landless squatters, create jobs and attract investment.
“The biggest issue is the economy. Where are the jobs? Where is the investment? Things are deteriorating everywhere,” he said.
Thapa said the government had received a five-year mandate and that he respected it. However, he warned that his party would resist any attempts to curtail democratic rights or undermine institutions.
“When democratic rights are curtailed or our institutions are weakened, we will not remain silent spectators. We will speak out, question such actions and, if necessary, resist them,” he said.
He also said that politically motivated rumours should not undermine people’s right to question those in power.
“Amid all these orchestrated rumours, the right to question must not die. If questioning dies, democracy ends. Not just democracy, but our progress will also come to an end,” he said.
