By Pallav Bhusal, Kathmandu, Oct. 16: The oldest democratic party, Nepali Congress, recently concluded its 15th General Convention in Kathmandu. New office-bearers and central committee members were elected against the backdrop of a special convention that was held on January 11-12 earlier this year and was only the second special convention in the party’s history.
The Nepali Congress remained at the forefront of major political movements, from the 1951 democratic revolution to the 1990 People’s Movement and the 2006 People’s Movement, which eventually paved the way for the abolition of the monarchy and the establishment of a federal democratic republic.
However, the promises of political change and good governance following the 2006 People’s Movement have not been met. Public expectations for development, accountable governance and economic opportunities have been undermined by corruption and poor administration. Millions of Nepalis have left the country in search of jobs and better prospects, while going abroad continues to be seen by many young people as the most viable path to a better future.
The Gen Z movement of September 8 and 9, 2025, highlighted the growing frustration among younger generations, as well as sections of the older generation, with traditional political parties. The Nepali Congress was among the parties facing public anger. Former party president Sher Bahadur Deuba and his wife, Arzu Rana Deuba, were assaulted at their residence on September 9 during the unrest.
The protests reflected widespread anger over corruption, poor governance and the failure of public institutions to address citizens’ concerns. Government buildings and other public properties were torched, while the use of lethal force against demonstrators on September 8 resulted in deaths and injuries. The events exposed the depth of public frustration and the consequences of failing to listen to citizens’ grievances.
In the aftermath, the Nepali Congress experienced its own internal push for change. Gagan Kumar Thapa, now the party president, and Bishwa Prakash Sharma called for a special convention to seek a fresh mandate from party members. Their demand reflected growing dissatisfaction with the concentration of power among established leaders and the party’s declining public credibility.
According to political analyst Geja Sharma Wagle, Thapa now faces the major responsibility of changing the party’s direction and restoring public confidence. In his political report, titled National Renaissance and Prosperity, presented at the 15th general convention, Thapa outlines the party’s political, ideological, organisational and economic priorities for the coming years.
“Thapa has put forward ideas on political reform and accountability within the Nepali Congress, along with organisational restructuring, youth participation and economic transformation. He has also acknowledged the party’s failures over the past two decades and called for an end to factionalism, power-sharing politics and the protection of members facing corruption allegations,” said Sharma.
The practice of forming post-election coalitions has also contributed to political instability since the promulgation of the Constitution in 2015. Frequent changes in provincial governments have weakened political continuity, with some provinces witnessing more than six chief ministers during a single five-year term.
Corruption remains another major challenge. While young people have been compelled to seek opportunities abroad, allegations of corruption and administrative inefficiency have continued to undermine public confidence. Citizens’ access to public services has also been affected by corrupt practices.
Sharma said Thapa’s report highlighted contesting elections independently, without pre-election alliances, and strengthening the party’s role as an opposition force by scrutinising government performance, challenging corruption and presenting alternative policies.
“The Nepali Congress can address these challenges by promoting young leadership and pursuing a production-oriented economy that encourages private investment, employment, entrepreneurship and social justice. The party president has pledged to end factional politics, bring estranged leaders back into the party and reconnect the Nepali Congress with citizens,” he said.
The new leadership must now translate its commitments into tangible action. As the main opposition party in parliament, the Nepali Congress must hold the government accountable, question policy failures and raise issues affecting the public.
Internally, the party must demonstrate that it has changed through institutional reforms, transparent decision-making and greater participation of young people. Rebuilding public trust will require more than promises made at a convention. It will depend on the party’s ability to deliver results and remain connected with citizens.
The Nepali Congress was built on the principles of democracy and popular sovereignty.
Its challenge now is to reaffirm those principles through accountable leadership and public service, demonstrating that it remains committed to a democratic system in which power belongs to the people.
Nepali Congress cannot afford to be divided, and party unity should be the priority. The party now has an opportunity to rise from its mistakes and be the party that has always worked for the people. It should also acknowledge contributions made by its party leaders, including former president Sher Bahadur Deuba, and see a progressive path ahead.
The party, throughout its history, has fought for democracy and the rights of the people. Nepali Congress played a pivotal role in ending the Rana regime, which ruled Nepal through hereditary prime ministers from 1846 to 1951. The 1950–51 democratic movement established democracy in the country.
Under visionary leaders, including Bishweshwar Prasad Koirala, Ganesh Man Singh, Subarna Shamsher Rana and Krishna Prasad Bhattarai, the party continued its struggle for political freedom and democratic rights. BP Koirala’s vision helped shape Nepal’s democratic system, establishing the principle that the country should be governed by the people rather than by an authoritarian ruler.
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