Kathmandu: Nepali Congress President Gagan Thapa has said that he has consistently chosen a challenging path in his political career, leaving aside easier options. Speaking at a program organized in Kathmandu on Saturday, he shared his experiences of internal party struggles and the risks he has taken in the context of the upcoming elections.

Recounts Party Struggles and Comeback
Thapa recalled that he was once expelled from the party for five years due to internal disputes. He said he was able to re-establish himself as a leader only with the strong support of party cadres during the special general convention. Had it not been for that support, he said, he would have been standing today as an expelled member. Thapa added that he has always trusted his work and convictions.

Decision to Leave Safe Kathmandu Seat
Talking about the upcoming elections, Thapa said that Kathmandu constituency number 4 has been a safe and comfortable seat for him. However, he deliberately decided to leave Kathmandu and contest from Madhesh this time. He revealed that although he had wanted to contest outside Kathmandu in the previous election, he lacked the courage then. This time, he said, he has gathered the confidence to contest from Sarlahi constituency number 4.

Need to Understand the Whole Nation
Expressing gratitude for the trust shown by Kathmandu voters in the past three elections, Thapa said that to become a true national leader, it is necessary to understand the entire country. For that, he said, one must immerse oneself in the soil of Madhesh. He admitted that while he understands the hills and urban areas, he did not get the opportunity to closely understand Madhesh, as he was born in a hill-origin family and raised in the city.

Emphasis on Madhesh’s Historical Role
Recalling that the foundation of the Nepali Congress was laid in Madhesh, Thapa expressed his belief that genuine national leadership can be built only by embracing the language, culture and lifestyle of the region. He said Sarlahi would provide him that opportunity.

Commitment to Raise Madhesh Issues
As a candidate from Sarlahi-4, Thapa pledged to raise the issues of Madhesh and Sarlahi strongly in the federal parliament and Singha Durbar. He assured voters that they would not regret voting for him and claimed that decision-making related to Madhesh in the coming five years would be different from the past.

Appeal to Voters and Party Workers
Acknowledging that his central responsibilities would not allow him to stay in the constituency at all times, Thapa sought full trust from the voters. He urged party workers to work diligently in the election campaign and cautioned them against becoming complacent by assuming victory. He said he would promise only what he could deliver and assured voters that he would remain accessible even after the election. Victory, he added, would be possible only through collective effort.