Kathmandu, Oct 5: Nepali Congress President Gagan Thapa has called for greater openness in Parliament and political parties, saying lawmakers and party members must have space to question their leaders freely.
Addressing the opening of the Nepali Congress’ 15th General Convention at Khula Manch in Kathmandu on Sunday, Thapa said Parliament could not be considered truly open until the prime minister appeared before lawmakers with due respect for the institution.
“The first open forum we need is inside Parliament. Parliament is not open; it is closed,” Thapa said. “Until the prime minister respectfully appears before the lawmakers who elected him, Parliament cannot be considered open in the true sense.”
Thapa also raised concerns about weakening internal democracy in political parties. “We need an open forum within parties where members are not expelled simply for questioning their leaders,” he said.
Describing Khula Manch as a public archive of Nepal’s political history, Thapa recalled speeches and political commitments made there by BP Koirala, Ganesh Man Singh, Girija Prasad Koirala, Sushil Koirala and Sher Bahadur Deuba.
“Without the contribution of the Nepali Congress, Nepal’s history would remain incomplete,” he said.
Thapa said a chair had been kept vacant for former party president Sher Bahadur Deuba, who did not attend the convention.
“Some friends are angry and have not come today. We had kept a chair vacant for Sher Bahadur Deuba and hoped he would come to inaugurate the convention. He did not come, and we have no complaints,” Thapa said.
Rastriya Swatantra Party Chairman Rabi Lamichhane urged parties to abandon threats of street protests to topple the government, saying periodic elections were the legitimate means of changing governments. “The government will not fall. Those saying it will fall will themselves collapse,” he said.
Nepali Communist Party Coordinator Pushpa Kamal Dahal praised Thapa’s leadership potential and urged him to bring excluded Congress leaders and groups back into the party. He said Thapa could eventually lead the country and pledged his support.
Congress Vice President Bishwo Prakash Sharma said public frustration remained despite the change in government. He called for addressing demands raised by Gen Z youths and issues stemming from the Madhes, People’s and Tharuhat movements. He said Congress would support constitutional amendments based on a review of the Constitution’s first decade.
CPN UML General Secretary Shankar Pokharel accused the government of refusing dialogue with political parties, Parliament and citizens. He called for cooperation among democratic and leftist forces.
Rastriya Prajatantra Party Chairman Rajendra Lingden proposed a new national understanding involving the monarchy, political parties and younger generations. He argued that the Constitution could be amended to address weaknesses in the existing system.
Former prime minister Baburam Bhattarai urged parties to trust the younger generation and agree on a common development plan aimed at making Nepal a developed country within 20 years.
Janata Samajbadi Party Nepal leader Sharat Singh Bhandari rejected any form of “controlled democracy” and called for national unity amid economic, social and geopolitical challenges.
Nagarik Unmukti Party Nepal founder Resham Lal Chaudhary criticised both older and newer political forces, while other speakers highlighted Congress’ contribution to democracy and called for political unity amid economic, climate and governance challenges.
People’s News Monitoring Service
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