Fiscal Nepal
First Business News Portal in English from Nepal
KATHMANDU: The Nepali Congress has formally decided to project party president Gagan Thapa as its candidate for prime minister in the coming political cycle, signaling a strategic shift aimed at addressing growing demands for generational change and governance reform.
The decision was taken at a meeting of the party’s Central Committee on Thursday. Party Vice President Bishwo Prakash Sharma confirmed that the committee unanimously agreed to present Thapa as the future prime ministerial candidate.
Sharma said the decision reflects the party’s response to the so-called “Gen Z rebellion” and rising public demand for change, noting that Thapa was selected based on merit rather than seniority. “The party has put forward Gagan Thapa as the prime ministerial candidate on the basis of competence, capability, and vision,” Sharma said, adding that the Congress believes its candidate is more qualified than those presented by other political parties.
According to Sharma, the Central Committee adopted five core criteria while selecting the future prime ministerial candidate: personal background, political culture, contribution to the party and nation, professional and political competence, and long-term vision for the country. “By these standards, the candidate put forward by the Nepali Congress stands out as superior to others currently being projected as prime ministerial contenders,” he said.
The announcement comes amid increasing political positioning by major parties ahead of the next general election. The CPN-UML has projected its chairperson KP Sharma Oli as its prime ministerial face, while the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has advanced senior leader Balen Shah as its candidate.
Vice President Sharma emphasized that the Congress’s decision is intended to restore public confidence in democratic politics and to counter growing political disillusionment among younger voters. He said the party believes leadership grounded in reformist credentials and a clear development-oriented vision is essential at the current political juncture.
Party President Thapa is set to contest the upcoming election from Sarlahi constituency, according to party leaders.
The decision marks a significant internal consolidation within the Nepali Congress and is expected to shape alliance negotiations, campaign narratives, and leadership debates in the run-up to the next general election.
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *
Comment *
Name *
Email *
Website
Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.
