Deputy Chairperson Dr. Dila Sangroula Pant’s Statement: Chairperson Thapa’s Resignation Is Not the Solution to the Problems

March 21, Kathmandu – Dr. Dila Sangroula Pant, Deputy Chairperson of the Nepali Congress, has made it clear that the resignation tendered by party Chairperson Gagan Kumar Thapa does not resolve the party’s issues. Regarding the recently concluded House of Representatives election, in which the Nepali Congress failed to achieve the expected results, she opined that it would be unfair to place the entire blame on Chairperson Thapa alone.

Speaking at the Nepali Congress Central Working Committee meeting on Sunday, Deputy Chairperson Sangroula emphasized the need for a thorough review of the reasons behind the decline of a party that has led the country and the democratic movement for 35 years.

She stressed the importance of addressing current problems and reuniting the party through regular general conventions. She stated, “We brought Thapa to the chairmanship through a special general convention, but that message has not reached the people. Now, we need to make another effort to establish the party as the leading force in the upcoming provincial and local elections.”

Referring to the impossibility of evaluating anyone’s competence within just five months, Sangroula highlighted that the dissatisfaction accumulated over 35 years was revealed in this election.

She explained that voters changed their support because the Nepali Congress repeatedly failed to deliver while leading the government. Warning that without reforms, both votes and public sentiment will change further in future elections, she underlined the need for the party to fulfill a strong opposition role in parliament to regain public trust.

She added, “Since the Congress has been out of power for five years, it is crucial to act as a robust opposition in parliament on issues like inflation, unemployment, and good governance. If necessary, street protests must also be organized.”

Deputy Chairperson Sangroula advocated for opening avenues for experts and influential figures from society to directly enter the party’s policy-making level through the upcoming regular general convention, emphasizing the need to maintain checks and balances.

“We no longer have the luxury to make distractions left or right. It is inappropriate for the chairperson to flee by resigning now. Our leadership must address the new challenges facing the country. Power comes and goes, but we must regain public trust and recommit to rising anew in a fresh way. We may have shortcomings, but reviewing and resolving them to move forward is what is required today. Therefore, Chairperson Gagan Thapa’s resignation must be rejected,” she firmly stated.