Gagan Thapa Steps Down as Nepali Congress President Following Electoral Setback

Gagan Thapa has stepped down as president of the Nepali Congress, taking moral responsibility for the party’s poor performance in the recently concluded parliamentary elections. He submitted his resignation to Vice-President Bishwa Prakash Sharma, although the party has yet to officially announce the move.

A Central Working Committee (CWC) meeting scheduled for March 20 is expected to formally discuss his resignation. Party leaders have clarified that while the president can tender his resignation, the final decision on whether to accept it rests with the committee.

Thapa had taken charge of the party following a special general convention held in January, which formed a new leadership team under his presidency. However, the legitimacy of that convention is currently under review at the Supreme Court after legal challenges from leaders aligned with former president Sher Bahadur Deuba and senior leader Purna Bahadur Khadka.

Despite internal disagreements, the Election Commission had earlier recognized the new leadership formed through the convention. The move to organize the convention itself had sparked internal tensions, as it was initiated by Thapa and Sharma with the backing of a majority of party delegates, even as the Deuba faction opposed it.

The resignation comes after the Nepali Congress failed to meet expectations in the elections. Despite campaigning with an ambitious target, the party secured only 38 seats, falling far short of its goal. Thapa himself also faced defeat in his constituency, losing by a significant margin to a candidate from the Rastriya Swatantra Party.

Sources indicate that Thapa had been considering resignation for several days and had already communicated his intention to Sharma before the final election results were declared. His decision has received mixed reactions within the party, with some leaders urging him to stay while others see the move as necessary for accountability.

The upcoming CWC meeting is expected to review the election outcome, identify organizational weaknesses, and discuss future strategies, including preparations for the next general convention. Party leaders have emphasized the need for unity and restructuring to rebuild public trust.

With internal divisions still evident and key leaders absent or abroad, the party faces a critical period ahead. The resignation of Thapa marks a significant moment in Nepali Congress politics, as the party looks to reorganize and chart its path forward after a major electoral setback.