NC picks Gagan as PM candidate

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Jan. 24: Nepali Congress President Gagan Kumar Thapa has formally assumed office at the party office, Sanepa, Lalitpur.

He also declared his ambition to lead both the party and the country as the party named him its Prime Ministerial candidate for the upcoming general election.

After assuming office at the Nepali Congress headquarters in Sanepa on Friday, Thapa said the party had entered a new phase with a clear national mission. “Let’s change the Nepali Congress, let’s change the country,” he said. “We are beginning a new journey with this resolve. Our single goal is the progress of the nation,” he added.

Thapa, who was elected party president by a Special General Convention held in Kathmandu earlier this month, signed his first official commitment shortly after taking charge. The pledge echoed his campaign message of internal reform and national transformation.

Following the assumption of office by newly elected office bearers and central members, the Congress Central Working Committee convened its first meeting under Thapa’s leadership at the party office. The meeting unanimously approved a proposal to nominate Thapa as the party’s candidate for Prime Minister in the general election scheduled for March 5.

The proposal tabled by Vice President Bishwaprakash Sharma was supported by Vice President Pushpa Bhusal. Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Sharma said the decision reflected the party’s response to the country’s changing political context. “We have taken an institutional decision to present President Gagan Kumar Thapa as the next Prime Minister,” 

said Sharma.

Sharma acknowledged that it is customary in Nepal to nominate a Prime Minister only after elections, but said the current situation demanded a different approach. “By presenting our Prime Ministerial candidate during the election campaign, we are addressing the country’s unique circumstances and reducing uncertainty among voters,” he said.

According to Sharma, the decision was also guided by the party’s commitment to good governance following the Gen Z–led movement, which has reshaped public expectations. He said the party believes Thapa is capable of leading the country through this transition in a dynamic yet balanced manner.

Sharma cited Thapa’s political maturity, arguing that effective leadership requires restraint as well as passion. “He has the ability to remain composed in difficult times and resolve issues with maturity,” said Sharma.

Meanwhile, Thapa has pledged to reform the party, promote good governance and contest the upcoming elections with unity and fairness, saying the responsibility he has assumed is both historic 

and challenging.

Speaking to the press at the party office, Thapa paid tribute to those who lost their lives in political movements since 1950 and remembered party cadres injured during conflicts. He also expressed respect for senior leaders, including outgoing president Sher Bahadur Deuba. “I pay my respects to all the martyrs and to those who were injured and are still suffering,” he said.

Recalling the moment he was sworn in, Thapa said the chair he now occupies carries deep responsibility. “This is the chair that BP Koirala, Subarna Shumsher and Sher Bahadur Deuba sat on. It is easy to sit on it, but the responsibility is difficult,” he said.

Thapa acknowledged that recent decisions, including candidate selection, were made under time pressure. “We had less than 24 hours. If there had been more time, the process could have been more inclusive,” he said, adding that shortcomings should be taken as his responsibility and would be corrected in the future.

He confirmed that he was unanimously nominated as the party’s Prime Ministerial candidate and said public frustration with corruption and poor governance was growing. “There is a deep hunger for good governance. People want Nepal to come out of the swamp of corruption,” he said.

Calling for unity ahead of the elections, Thapa urged party members to mobilise across the country and pledged to introduce a code of conduct for leaders and cadres alike. “The Congress has no enemies. All parties are our competitors and fellow travellers. We want a fair contest. I urge all of you to mobilise in your respective constituencies,” he said.

The 135-member Central Working Committee was elected during the Special General Convention held from January 11 to 14.