Kathmandu — Nepali Congress (NC) Deputy General Secretary Furmullah Mansur has called on the party to head into the next elections under fresh leadership, proposing Gagan Thapa as both the new party president and the prime ministerial candidate.
Speaking at the Central Working Committee meeting in Sanepa on Wednesday, Mansur said the Congress should not hesitate to organize a special general convention if needed to choose leadership that can inspire both party members and the public.
“Even if the regular convention cannot be held right away, the party can hold a special general convention — we’ve done it before,” Mansur said. “Through that process, we can introduce new policies, form new leadership, and contest the election with Gagan Thapa leading the way.”
Mansur’s Call for Generational Change
Mansur said there is a growing sense within and outside the party that Gagan Thapa should take the helm. He pointed out that Thapa, who won a strong mandate as General Secretary during the 14th General Convention, continues to enjoy wide public trust.
“Wherever I go, people say the time has come for Gagan Thapa to lead. The next federal election should be fought with him as our prime ministerial candidate,” Mansur said. He added that Thapa’s energy, reform-minded approach, and connection with citizens make him the right person to renew the party’s spirit and reconnect it with voters.
Clarifying Factional Neutrality
Addressing talk of internal rifts, Mansur clarified that he is not part of any faction within the Congress. He said his remarks come purely from his concern for the party’s direction, not from internal rivalries.
He also responded to comments made earlier by Deputy General Secretary Mahendra Yadav, saying Yadav’s statement during Tuesday’s meeting was a personal opinion, not an official position of the party leadership. “Some media outlets portrayed Yadav’s remarks as the establishment’s stance. That’s not accurate. I haven’t endorsed such a proposal,” Mansur said.
Leadership Response and Path Forward
After the discussion, Acting Party President Purna Bahadur Khadka reminded members that media reports should not influence internal debates. He urged the committee to stay focused on its official agenda and policy matters.
Mansur, who was elected from Sher Bahadur Deuba’s panel during the 14th General Convention, said the party now needs unity and renewal to face upcoming political challenges with confidence.
