KATHMANDU, Oct 10: Gagan Kumar Thapa has been re-elected president of the Nepali Congress, securing 6,584 votes at the party's 15th General Convention. His rival, Shyam Krishna Khadgi, received 375 votes.
A total of 7,013 votes were cast, with 54 declared invalid.
Thapa's political journey began as a school student when he joined the 2046 BS people's movement while in Grade 9. He went on to build his political career through the Nepal Students' Union, serving in various leadership positions, including president of the Free Students' Union at Tri-Chandra Multiple Campus.
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In 2061 BS, he led protests against the king's direct rule, drawing treason charges. Amnesty International later recognized him as a prisoner of conscience.
Thapa emerged as a prominent figure in the 2062/63 BS people's movement, advocating republicanism and democratic governance. In 2064 BS, he was elected to the Constituent Assembly, where he worked on constitutional development, fundamental rights, child welfare, citizenship and energy security.
After winning election from Kathmandu Constituency-4 in 2070 BS, he contributed to the constitution-drafting process. He later chaired the Agriculture and Water Resources Committee in 2071 BS and served as health minister in 2073 BS.
At the Nepali Congress's 14th General Convention in 2078 BS, Thapa was elected general secretary, strengthening his position within the party's leadership.
Following the September 2082 BS Gen Z Movement, Thapa and fellow General Secretary Bishwa Prakash Sharma called a special convention, pushing for greater youth participation and organizational reform. Thapa was subsequently elected party president at the special convention.
His re-election at the 15th General Convention reinforces his leadership of the party as he continues to advocate youth empowerment, public education, equitable healthcare and institutional reform.
