Author: space4knews

The Nepali Congress has conducted an editorial review of its defeat in the elections held on Falgun 21 by preparing a comprehensive report outlining 27 key reasons behind the loss. Vice Chairman Bishwprakash Sharma identified a lack of party unity, failure to effectively communicate messages of change to citizens, and growing public dissatisfaction as the primary causes of the electoral setback.

Although Chairman Gagan Thapa had tendered his resignation, the Central Working Committee decided to reject it. On 6 Chaitra in Kathmandu, the Central Working Committee convened to extensively discuss why the Nepali Congress did not achieve the anticipated vote share in the Falgun 21 elections. During the meeting, Vice Chairman Sharma presented the election review report, clearly explaining these issues through 27 detailed points.

“While the Rastriya Swatantra Samajwadi Party (RSP) emerged victorious in the Falgun 21 elections, the greater truth is the Nepali Congress’ defeat. Had we managed to reform ourselves in time, conveyed messages of change effectively, this defeat would have been avoided, along with the RSP winning,” he remarked. “The chairman’s decision to resign with moral accountability reflects a high ethical standard that the party honors,” Sharma added. “However, the overall responsibility for this defeat does not rest solely on one leader or the working committee but on all members of the Congress.”

The report emphasizes that the absence of party cohesion, the inability to deliver the change message to the general public, and the rise in public dissatisfaction were the main contributors to the loss.

An excerpt from the report presented by Vice Chairman Sharma to the Central Working Committee states: “We extend gratitude to all voters who participated in the House of Representatives election held on Falgun 21. We congratulate the winning party and all candidates on their success. We also honor election officials, security personnel, civil servants, and the election police. The Nepali Congress accepts these results in accordance with democratic customs. The election has clearly demonstrated the commitment of all parties and the Nepali people to parliamentary democracy. The Nepali Congress will continue to fulfill its responsible role as the major opposition party in the days ahead.”

During the party’s Central Working Committee meeting on Friday, most central members expressed opposition to President Gagan Thapa’s resignation, according to Vice President Pushpa Bhusal. She stated that, along with Thapa’s resignation, Vice President Bishwprakash Sharma also submitted a proposal during the meeting to reject the resignation. “All central members voiced the opinion that he should not resign by shirking responsibilities to be carried in the future,” she said, “The majority felt it was inappropriate to resign considering the party’s future.”

The party began discussions on Friday regarding the recent election defeat and the issue of President Thapa’s resignation. Following the defeat suffered by Thapa and other party officials in the House of Representatives election, he tendered his resignation. In the 275-member House election, the Congress secured a total of 38 seats under both the direct and proportional representation systems.

Congress spokesperson Chalise stated that the issue of the president’s resignation would be the first topic of discussion, followed by other matters in sequence. “The meeting will continue,” he added, “Everyone has understood the party’s needs. All committee members are responsible for deciding who should lead, the future path, and how to organize the general convention.” President Thapa was absent at the start of the meeting.

As the first party meeting after the election commenced, some leaders aligned with former President Sher Bahadur Deuba expressed dissatisfaction with the recently held special general convention near the election and stated that Thapa’s resignation alone would not solve the problem. “Parliament will now function, and the government will get a 100-day ‘honeymoon’ period; during that time, we must seize the opportunity for party unity,” said Meen Bishwakarma, a leader from the Deuba faction.

To review the election defeat, the party has instructed its subordinate committees and candidates to submit detailed reports analyzing the causes of defeat. With the rise of popularity for the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), some within Congress consider ‘internal betrayal’ as a catalyst for the election outcome. Additionally, reports recommending disciplinary action from district levels have also been received. Party spokesperson Chalise indicated that during the election period, some members “crossed the limits of discipline.” However, Bishwakarma from the Deuba faction remarked, “Change sentiments exist within the party, so anything can happen.” Both factions have emphasized the need for self-assessment and improvement to rectify past mistakes and weaknesses.

Everest Bank has unveiled its corporate calendar for the Nepali year 2083. The calendar’s theme is “Nepal’s Development Journey: Dimensions of Innovation.” The calendar was officially revealed by Dr. Balgopal Vaidya, Chairman of the bank’s Board of Directors.

The bank has a longstanding tradition of publishing corporate calendars that highlight Nepal’s religion, culture, tourism, and archaeological significance. Continuing this legacy, the new calendar for 2083 focuses on the theme “Nepal’s Development Journey: Dimensions of Innovation,” which traces the developmental milestones starting from the mid-19th century and highlights their continental significance.

At a special ceremony, Dr. Balgopal Vaidya formally unveiled the calendar in the presence of the bank’s directors and senior officials. Currently, Everest Bank serves more than 1.4 million customers nationwide, operating 133 branches, 4 extension counters, 7 regional offices, and 163 ATMs across the country.

The Armed Police Force Nepal in Parsa arrested Vinay Shankar Sah Turha in Birgunj with NPR 2 million in hand-delivered money (hundi). During the arrest, the money was concealed under the motorcycle’s seat cover. He was also found carrying an identification card from the Birgunj Customs Agent Association Parsa. March 19, Birgunj (Parsa).

The Armed Police Force Nepal in Parsa apprehended an individual in Birgunj today along with NPR 2 million in hundi funds. During a check at the Birgunj Metropolitan-16 customs gate, authorities stopped a motorcycle bearing the registration number BR 05 BK 8603 coming from India to Nepal. Vinay Shankar Sah Turha, riding the motorcycle, was taken into custody with the money.

According to Mohan Niraula, Information Officer of the Armed Police Force Nepal in Parsa, the suspect had hidden the money under the motorcycle’s seat cover. The money recovered and the suspect have been handed over to the Birgunj Customs Office for further investigation, the police stated. Additionally, an identification card from the Birgunj Customs Agent Association Parsa was also confiscated from the individual.

Kathmandu – A new television series titled ‘Wijog Ramailo’ is set to be produced featuring renowned TV actors. Filming will commence next Monday in Panauti, Kavre. The series will be a comedy that addresses social themes, according to actor Kamalmani.

Harish Niraula, popularly known as ‘Cockroach,’ Sagar Lamsal as ‘Bale,’ Kamalmani Nepal as ‘Khupika Bau,’ and Deepak Acharya as ‘Kaku’ will also star in the series. Directed by Cockroach, the shoot begins next Monday around Panauti in Kavre. Several famous actors from the ‘Sakkigo Ni’ series will appear; however, Kumar Kattel (‘Jigri Bro’) and Arjun Ghimire (‘Pande’) will not be part of this project.

Cockroach announced the new series through social media on Friday. While the title and principal cast have been revealed, further detailed information is yet to be made public. It remains unclear whether the series will air on television, digital platforms, or both. The series will also feature actors such as Babin Rai Galphane, Subodh Gautam Yadhume, Govind Koirala Jayante, Suraksha Itani Suru, Bhavana Acharya Luri, Ashok Dhital Bahun Dan, Gajit Bisht Jethan, and Rambhajan Kamat.

The comedy will portray contemporary social narratives, Kamalmani shared. Initially, filming is planned for two episodes. The broadcast date will be set once the television and digital platforms are finalized.

Congress Vice President Vishwaprakash Sharma has presented seven arguments to reject the resignation of President Gagan Thapa during the party’s Central Working Committee meeting. Sharma argued that seeking conclusive results within the short span of fifty days is unreasonable and that the resignation of the president would be unjust to the organization. He emphasized that the party’s special general convention has revitalized its leadership and that the party must move forward with new plans.

On March 20, in Kathmandu, Vishwaprakash Sharma put forward seven key arguments advocating the rejection of Congress President Gagan Thapa’s resignation. The document submitted at the meeting contains the rationale for not accepting the resignation. Sharma stated that expecting definitive outcomes within the brief span of fifty days is not appropriate.

Sharma’s seven arguments are as follows: In politics, there is a so-called ‘honeymoon period,’ especially during the initial one hundred days of assuming government leadership. This ‘warm-up’ phase may reveal some positive or negative glimpses of leadership performance, but a complete evaluation and comprehensive review cannot be made. From this perspective, given the special general convention had just brought in new leadership, seeking results within fifty days is neither reasonable nor fair to the individual. Additionally, it would not be just to the organization for the president to resign amid adverse circumstances that require overcoming challenges and steering the party towards favorable outcomes.

Nonetheless, while deeply respecting the president’s ethical responsibility and emotions, the meeting, acknowledging its profound duty to manage the situation as well as the highest moral obligation, decided to reject President Gagan Thapa’s resignation.

Among the seven arguments, Sharma highlighted that the Nepali Congress was not victorious as the leading party in the elections. However, it should be acknowledged that the core policy pursued by the Congress has succeeded. Due to the political and economic policies adopted by Congress, both old and new parties have been galvanized. The current constitution, parliamentary system, federalism, social justice, and a liberal economy have all now become the common foundational path forward for Nepal’s future.

The Nepali Congress has attributed its defeat in the House of Representatives election held on Falgun 21 to the coalition government. Party Vice Chairman Bishwprakash Sharma identified the failure to implement the seven-point agreement and delays in federalism as primary reasons for the loss, noting that the decision to shut down social media created an environment conducive to the Janajati uprising. (6 Chaitra, Kathmandu)

Congress has blamed the coalition government for the factors behind its defeat in the Falgun 21 polls. Speaking at the central working committee meeting where an election review report was presented, Vice Chairman Sharma said, “When two major parties united to form the government, there were high expectations regarding its performance, but the government’s achievements remained average.” This failed to instill renewed public confidence.

Sharma pointed out that the inability to address issues outlined in the seven-point agreement signed during the Congress-UMALA government was a significant cause of the electoral defeat. He stated, “There was no formation of a working committee concerning the timely constitutional amendments. Even as a decade passes in federalism, the expected rights to provinces remain delayed.”

He also cited the decision to block social media as another factor contributing to the election loss, adding, “The decision to close social media hindered the election commission’s work without the coalition’s consensus. This created a conducive environment for the Janajati uprising and ultimately led to the defeat.”

Jamunaki Gurung from Ilam highlights that it is both natural and necessary for Nepalis living abroad to maintain an interest in Nepal’s politics and good governance. In the fiscal year 2024/25, remittances contributed over NPR 17.23 trillion to Nepal’s economy, accounting for approximately 26% of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). However, the same year also recorded between 1,255 and 1,401 Nepali deaths among foreign employment workers, underscoring the risks associated with labor migration.

During the recently concluded federal parliamentary elections, I noticed a slightly increased level of interest compared to previous years. Some village friends affiliated with major political parties seemed somewhat dissatisfied with my perspective. Their primary concern was not about the election results in the village but rather the question, “Why do you take such a deep interest in Nepal’s elections from America?” The elections have concluded, the swearing-in of parliamentarians is approaching, and the formation of a new government is expected relatively soon. Yet, dissatisfaction among some village friends remains unresolved, and we have barely managed even brief greetings so far.

I can explain my viewpoint to childhood friends because they know me and I understand them well. However, the questions posed by friends living in district headquarters or Kathmandu—who, while clearly aware of Nepal’s worsening political and socio-economic conditions, live comfortable lives wearing suits and shoes—demand answers that rise above personal resentment to offer collective understanding about “Why maintain such interest in Nepal’s politics from America?”

These questions are not only raised by friends in the village but are also prevalent on social media. First and foremost, we must accept a simple yet profound truth — a country is not just a boundary marked on a map. A nation embodies memory, identity, culture, language, and the very roots of our existence. Wherever we set foot—be it America, Australia, Europe, or the Gulf countries—our childhood, villages, traditions, families, and concerns remain with us. Though our bodies may grow up abroad, a large part of our hearts stays in Nepal. Therefore, it is both natural and expected for Nepalis abroad to be invested in Nepal’s politics.

In reality, anyone whose future, family, property, identity, and dreams are deeply tied to Nepal cannot afford to be indifferent to Nepal’s politics, governance, and policy-making. The question should not be “Why care?” but rather “Why would one not care?” This is not merely an emotional issue; it is a stark reality directly connected to economic interests as well.

A 42-year-old woman, Deepa Nyaupane, died after being struck by a tractor on a road in Noniyas, Bardgoria Rural Municipality-4, Kailali. She was critically injured and later passed away during treatment at Dododhara Hospital. The tractor driver has been taken into custody as police conduct necessary investigations.

March 19, Kailali – According to the Central News Desk of Nepal Police, the pedestrian who died on Friday morning after being hit by a tractor with the registration number Se.2 Ta 1185 was identified as 42-year-old Deepa Nyaupane, a resident of the same Rural Municipality-4. She sustained serious injuries and succumbed to them while receiving further treatment at Dododhara Hospital, the police reported. The tractor driver is under police custody as the investigation into the accident continues.

Senior Supreme Court Judge Sapana Pradhan Malla has underscored the necessity of continuous dialogue between the bar and bench to maintain public trust in the judiciary. She announced that this dialogue will be sustained starting from Chaitra 18 (early April). Judge Malla highlighted that such dialogue will help remove obstacles within the judiciary and stressed the need to establish a people-centered justice system.

Chaitra 6, Kathmandu – Addressing the National Conference of Women Legal Professionals held in Bhaktapur on Friday, Senior Supreme Court Judge Sapana Pradhan Malla emphasized that ongoing communication between the bar and bench is essential for preserving public faith in the judiciary and for institutional reform. She declared that this dialogue will be continued from Chaitra 18 onward.

Judge Malla expressed confidence that maintaining this dialogue will facilitate the removal of impediments in the judicial system. Acknowledging that courts are currently facing complex circumstances and challenges related to crisis management, she stressed the imperative of establishing a justice system focused on the people.

“The situation is somewhat difficult at present, and certain interest groups are active, attempting to undermine public trust in the judiciary and weaken judicial institutions. While it is legitimate to question anyone’s competence and integrity, no party agrees to weaken the fundamental judicial faith and institutions of the judiciary. The entire bar, women legal professionals, and the courts must work together,” she said. She also shared plans to enhance the effectiveness of the Judicial Council to promote good governance and to continue close monitoring.

Judge Malla expressed dissatisfaction over persistent doubts cast on the capabilities of women despite their growing participation in the legal field.

After a popular movement led by the new generation of youth, the National Independent Party secured nearly a two-thirds majority mandate. The operational style of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers’ office has historically been unstable and ineffective. In Baishakh 2079, a task force was formed that recommended limiting the number of secretaries in the Prime Minister’s Office and streamlining its functioning.

Following the public movement against governmental dysfunction, the National Independent Party gained an unprecedented two-thirds popular mandate. This deep public trust is not merely for a change in leadership or the face of power but is aimed at uprooting long-standing corruption and ushering in good governance. Good governance should manifest not only in eloquent speeches but in outcome-driven actions.

To initiate real change, it is essential first to deeply understand the weaknesses of the existing state apparatus and its working methods. OnlineKhabar has launched a news and opinion series titled Mandate for Good Governance, which unveils the true picture of these dysfunctions and charts a path toward good governance.

6 Chaitra, Kathmandu. During the elections held two weeks ago, employees at the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers’ office were occupied with three key tasks: First, preparing an action plan against corruption. Second, developing good governance policies. And third, creating a governance roadmap to address the demands raised by the public movement.

The challenging coincidence was that Prime Minister Sushila Karki took the initiative to appoint her personal secretary, Adarsha Shrestha, as the chairperson of the National Nature Conservation Fund, an organization whose work process and experience did not align well. Nevertheless, she showed little interest in approving or embracing the three documents related to good governance.

“No previous prime minister has made things easier for honest employees the way she did; hence, the staff machinery fully supported her,” a source close to the Prime Minister’s Office said. “Had she not neglected the commitments she personally expressed and shown ownership, the work would have been much smoother.”