Kathmandu: Nepali Congress central member Jeevan Bahadur Shahi has strongly objected to the remarks made by former general secretary and National Assembly member Krishna Prasad Sitaula during the party’s central committee meeting.

Objection to Sitaula’s Statement

While expressing his views in Wednesday’s meeting, Shahi opposed Sitaula’s accusation that General Secretary Gagan Thapa was trying to “capture the party through Facebook” and insulting senior leaders.
Sitaula later withdrew his statement after acting president Purna Bahadur Khadka instructed him to do so.

“If You’re Not Updated, You’re Outdated”

Shahi said Sitaula’s remarks could not be dismissed as a joke, noting that a single social media post had sparked nationwide reactions.
Criticizing the dismissal of social media as irrelevant, Shahi stated, “If you are not updated, you are outdated,” warning leaders not to underestimate the power of digital platforms.

Reminder of Gen-G Protests

Shahi reminded the meeting that the recent Gen-G protests were driven by social media mobilization, warning that ignoring such trends could cost the party heavily in the next elections.

Warning Against Party Collapse

Citing the party’s downfall to 37 seats in 2064 BS, Shahi cautioned that the Congress could be reduced to just seven seats if internal disputes continued.
He urged unity, timely conventions, and respect for internal democratic processes rather than intimidation and personal attacks.

“People Can Defeat Any Leader”

Shahi said no leader, no matter how popular, is immune to public rejection. “When we step outside, people call Congress leaders thieves. The situation is bad both nationally and internationally,” he said, stressing the need for a collective way forward through the General Convention.