Kathmandu — Nepali Congress leader Shekhar Koirala has called on the party to focus on rebuilding itself by putting citizens at the center of its politics. Speaking on Saturday, he said Congress should look beyond its past shortcomings and adapt to the country’s shifting political reality.
Legacy, Trust and Responsibility
Koirala reflected on the legacy of BP Koirala, Ganeshman Singh, Krishna Prasad Bhattarai, and Girija Prasad Koirala, saying their sacrifices remain the foundation of the party’s future. “The true source of inspiration for Congress is the struggle and sacrifice of our predecessors. On this foundation, we must define a new direction,” he noted.
He added that even though the historic Koirala residence was destroyed in a fire, the values it symbolized remain intact. “The structure may turn to ashes, but no one can burn down the ideals of democracy. From that ash, we must pledge to rebuild a new Congress,” he said.
According to Koirala, disputes over leadership or power have become secondary. What matters most, he said, is winning back public trust. “Neither brother’s nor cousin’s — Congress belongs to its members,” he remarked. “If we can regain the people’s confidence, the responsibility of nation-building will naturally fall on us.”
Gen Z Movement, Youth Aspirations and the Road Ahead
Koirala pointed to the Gen Z movement as a wake-up call for traditional political forces, warning that Congress must keep pace with the demands of a new generation. While condemning the destruction of public property during the protests, he described the assault on Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba and his wife Arzu Rana Deuba as a “heinous crime.”
He underlined that Nepal’s youth are searching for change and a better future at home. “Our young people want opportunity and prosperity in their own country. Citizens expect Congress to serve as that bridge, and we must rise to meet that expectation,” he said.
Closing his remarks, Koirala urged the party to learn from past mistakes and align itself with public aspirations. “We may have made errors, but we now commit to working with the energy of society and its youth, and to building a stronger nation,” he affirmed.
