KATHMANDU: Nepali Congress President Gagan Kumar Thapa has presented a political report to the party’s central working committee, outlining the roadmap for the 15th general convention. The report details the party’s ideological, organizational, and economic direction for the next four years while including a self-critical review of past performance.
The report acknowledges that over the last two decades, the Nepali Congress has prioritized power and positions over its core objectives. It admits that internal factionalism, power-sharing deals, and the protection of individuals involved in corruption have weakened the party’s moral standing and widened the gap with the public. Thapa proposes that the party must seek forgiveness from the citizens through a special convention and commit to structural reforms.
A key policy shift proposed in the report is the decision to avoid pre-election alliances. Thapa advocates for fielding candidates based on merit, contribution, and performance rather than factional influence, while suggesting the implementation of a primary election system. The report also proposes a constitutional amendment to limit a prime minister to two terms in office.
On the economic front, the report suggests moving away from an import-dependent economy toward a production-oriented one. It defines the private sector as an engine for innovation and job creation rather than just a source for tax collection. Thapa calls for channeling remittances into agriculture, industry, and technology, while introducing the concept of ‘pre-distributive justice’ to ensure equal access to opportunities.
The report aims to transform the Nepali Congress from an election-focused organization into a party that remains continuously engaged with citizens. Proposed internal reforms include the creation of an independent ombudsman to investigate corruption, a five-question accountability system for public decisions, and the establishment of a Rs 100 million endowment fund to support the families of martyrs and those injured during political movements.
Under the vision of ‘Prosperous Nepal, Respected Nepali,’ Thapa has proposed a four-year implementation timeline, emphasizing that the party’s future leadership will be evaluated based on the measurable results of these policy commitments.
