Kathmandu: Nepali Congress General Secretary Gagan Kumar Thapa has called for the immediate dismissal of Federal Affairs and General Administration Minister Rajkumar Gupta, stating that Gupta’s conduct has damaged the credibility of the government. Speaking at a program organized in Kathmandu on Monday, Thapa urged Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal to sack Gupta to facilitate an impartial investigation.

“The minister does not even have the courage to deny the allegations,” Thapa said, referring to Gupta’s controversial remarks and actions. “After declaring that he would take it by force, I expected the Prime Minister to remove him immediately. I did not even think I’d have to comment on it. But I’ve been compelled to.”

Thapa added that simply removing the minister is not enough. He insisted on a full investigation and action based on facts. “Dismissal is not the end. There must be a proper investigation to separate the milk from the water and take action against those guilty. No one is above the law,” he emphasized.

Criticism of Party’s Disciplinary Actions
In addition to his remarks about Minister Gupta, Thapa criticized the recent disciplinary actions taken by the Nepali Congress against some of its own leaders. He argued that such actions were neither in line with the party’s statute nor appropriate for the current political context.

“The disciplinary actions resemble a Kot Parva – an internal purge during a time when unity is needed,” said Thapa, referencing the infamous Kot Massacre in Nepalese history. “It’s not appropriate in terms of timing, tradition, party law, or our constitution. This kind of step will only weaken the party further.”

Thapa announced that he will be discussing this issue with Party President Sher Bahadur Deuba, and is committed to working towards greater unity within the party.

Call for Organizational Reforms
Thapa also stressed the need to revitalize and strengthen party organizations, urging leaders to shift their focus from internal disputes to organizational development. "Instead of suppressing voices, we should channel our energy into making the party more dynamic and relevant," he concluded.

His statements have added pressure on both the party leadership and the Prime Minister to take swift and transparent action on issues of governance and party unity.