Opposition Leaders Express Concerns Over Government and Democratic Future at Congress General Convention; Ravi Lamichhane Responds

Gagan Thapa, President of the Nepali Congress, voiced concerns over the Prime Minister’s recent lack of participation, stating, “The parliament is not open; it is closed.” He made this remark during the opening session of the Congress’s 15th General Convention held on Sunday in Kathmandu, following remarks from leaders of major parties. He added, “The parliament cannot be considered open unless the Prime Minister participates respectfully, for the system and the dignity of the people.” Thapa emphasized that the convention must address the challenges of the present time and noted, “Our problems will not be resolved easily.”

Thapa also reflected on the reason behind Congress’s continuity, describing it as “providing answers to today’s biggest questions,” contrasting it with providing answers to yesterday’s issues. He warned that growing anti-political sentiments in the country have led to “extreme politics,” which is smoldering like a petrol fire beneath the surface. Although former Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba was invited to the convention’s inauguration, he was absent.

Ravi Lamichhane, President of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (Raswapa), responded to concerns regarding the government’s future by asserting that “the government will endure.” He stated, “There is no threat to democracy. If there is any, the people will protect it.” Lamichhane made it clear that he would not compromise the values and principles of democracy. He also emphasized that Raswapa has a clear division of responsibilities and requested that the Prime Minister’s absence from important party activities not be viewed as unusual.

Shankar Pokhrel, General Secretary of the Nepal Communist Party (UML), criticized the government for not being proactive in facing challenges despite the devastating disaster in the Bhote Koshi-Trishuli region. He remarked, “Good governance has not advanced today, and service delivery remains delayed.” Meanwhile, CPN Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ stated, “The country is in crisis, and democracy is in crisis.” He underscored the necessity for all parties to come together and work collaboratively.

Rajendra Lingden, Chairman of the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (Rastriya Prajatantra Party), observed that the country is currently straying from the right path, saying, “The faces have changed, but the tendencies have not.” Aaron Rai, leader of the Shram Sanskriti Party, suggested that parties should be evaluated based on the good work they have accomplished during their time in power, irrespective of their political tenure.