Kathmandu: Nepali Congress President Gagan Kumar Thapa has said the party must evolve into a strong national force capable of connecting people across all ethnicities, languages, regions and generations. He stressed that meaningful participation of the younger generation in the party is not optional but an inevitable part of its future.

Speaking at the unveiling of the statue of veteran leader Krishna Prasad Bhattarai and the inauguration of the 44th BP Memorial Week in Lalitpur, Thapa said the Nepali Congress should strengthen its tradition of uniting diverse communities while also bridging the widening gap between generations.

Meaningful Youth Participation Is Essential
Thapa noted that two generations older than him and two generations younger are actively involved in the party, making it essential for the Congress to become a platform that connects all age groups.

He said welcoming young members alone is not enough, adding that the party must also be willing to listen to their ideas, understand their perspectives and provide them with meaningful opportunities. According to him, youth participation should never be reduced to a symbolic or token gesture.

Reject Politics That Divides Generations
Expressing concern over the growing generational divide in society, Thapa criticized attempts to portray citizens above the age of 60 or 65 as obstacles to progress.

He said such thinking is harmful and stressed that the Nepali Congress has a responsibility to promote mutual respect and cooperation among all generations rather than encouraging division.

Congress Has a History of Promoting Unity
Recalling the political climate during the Constituent Assembly period, Thapa said Nepal once faced deep divisions based on caste and identity. He claimed the Nepali Congress played a key role in preserving national unity by ensuring dignity and recognition for all communities.

Unity and Inclusiveness Should Remain the Party's Guiding Principle
Thapa acknowledged that the aspirations and expectations of younger generations have changed with time and said their views deserve respect and serious consideration.

He emphasized that Nepal's diversity should be seen as a source of strength rather than division. The Nepali Congress, he said, must foster a culture where all generations are valued equally and where unity, inclusiveness and trust remain at the heart of both the party and society.