Rautahat: Nepali Congress General Secretary Gagan Kumar Thapa has emphasized that the party’s central general convention must be held within the upcoming Mangsir. Speaking at a program organized by Congress Sarlahi on Thursday, Thapa said the convention cannot be postponed beyond Mangsir, as new leadership elections will follow only after its completion.

Call to Address Sugarcane Farmers' Issues
Thapa also highlighted the government’s responsibility to address the demands of sugarcane farmers without delay. He revealed that Agriculture Minister Ramnath Adhikari had presented a proposal to the Council of Ministers to provide subsidies, but the proposal was rejected.

Subsidy Provided from Previous Budget
Despite the rejection, Thapa said that Rs 35 per quintal subsidy was provided from the previous year’s allocation at Minister Adhikari’s insistence. He further informed that the issue has been raised with the party president, who in turn has discussed the matter with the Prime Minister. Thapa expressed confidence that funds would be arranged to pay the farmers.

Focus on Agricultural Problems in Madhesh
The Congress leader urged the government to take proactive measures to resolve agricultural challenges in the Madhesh region. Thapa was in Sarlahi to attend a tribute meeting in memory of Vasudev Sharan Koirala, held at the Padma-Bhuvaneshwori Model Elderly Care Home in Lalbandi Municipality-2, Jutpani.

Tribute to Vasudev Sharan Koirala
While addressing the program, Thapa praised Koirala’s contributions and called on Congress leaders and workers to follow his principles. He said Koirala’s legacy and dedication to the party would remain immortal.