Kathmandu: Nepali Congress General Secretary Gagan Kumar Thapa has said that the leadership emerging from the party’s upcoming general convention will be capable of taking the responsibility of steering the country forward.

Addressing the meeting of the party’s Central Working Committee, Thapa stressed that the Congress must first hold its general convention before heading into the elections. “The Congress that holds its general convention will take care of the country,” he said, adding that the party should not expect significant success in elections without internal renewal through a convention.

“I do not believe that we will achieve victory by going to the elections without a general convention,” Thapa said. “There is no meaning in going to such an election merely by organizing party lines.”

He emphasized that the Congress’s upcoming decisions are being closely watched by the nation and beyond. “The general convention is not just our internal matter — it is a national issue. The country is waiting for our decision,” he remarked.

Thapa also urged the government to create a conducive environment for elections, assuring that the Congress would cooperate fully in that process. “Elections bring the parliament; the government must create the environment, and we are ready to help,” he said.

Calling for the announcement of a special general convention, Thapa said that the party should set a concrete date and build excitement among the people. “We must decide that the special general convention will be held on a specific date and convey that something new will emerge from it. The country will wait for us,” he added.

Concluding his remarks, Thapa said he believed that the Congress would emerge with renewed leadership and a fresh identity, ready to lead the nation. “After the special general convention, everyone will follow us — we will talk to the UML, the Maoists, and lead the process. That is the Congress, and we will fulfill that responsibility,” he said.