KATHMANDU. Oct 4: Nepali Congress (NC) Vice President Bishwa Prakash Sharma has described the party’s 15th General Convention as the beginning of a new journey, saying the NC will emerge stronger, more energetic and more responsive to the aspirations of the younger generation.
Addressing the inaugural ceremony of the General Convention, Sharma said the NC, with a history spanning eight decades, had played a significant role in Nepal’s democratic movement and during every major crisis facing the country. He said the party’s struggle for democracy under the leadership of BP Koirala must be carried forward by connecting its legacy with the aspirations of the new generation.
Referring to the formation of a majority government led by the Rastriya Swatantra Party following the February 21 election, Sharma said the NC, now the main opposition, was ready to work with the government on issues critical to the country’s success. He said political parties should stand together on matters of national interest.
CPN-UML 10th General Convention: Five office bearers including...
Sharma also stressed the need to address the impacts of climate change on Nepal, the issues raised by the Madhes movement and the demands of the Gen Z movement. He said the state should formulate policies that connect Nepalis living inside and outside the country, and called for serious attention to the issues of citizenship, investment and rights of Nepalis living abroad.
“Nepal is twofold—there is Nepal outside the country and Nepal within the country. These two Nepals must be connected,” Sharma said. “Nepalis living abroad want to invest in Nepal’s development. The NC is ready to address their aspirations and the issue of citizenship envisioned by the Constitution.”
Noting that anger and hostility towards one another have continued to grow on social media despite the formation of a new government, Sharma said Nepali society currently needs dialogue, harmony and unity. He said it was necessary not only to connect the country geographically but also to bridge divisions among Nepalis.
Referring to the NC entering a new phase under the leadership of Gagan Kumar Thapa following the special general convention, Sharma said the current convention had brought together participants ranging from veterans of the democratic movement to families of martyrs and members of the Gen Z generation.
With a large proportion of the approximately 35,000 delegates being young people, Sharma described their participation as a source of new energy for the NC.
“This is the beginning of a journey. We will move forward with a stronger NC after the general convention,” Sharma said.
He said the NC would move forward with a new vision and energy while respecting its traditions. The convention, he said, would further strengthen the party organisationally and create a foundation for it to play an effective role in the country’s political, economic and social transformation.
