In a significant shift from traditional party practice, Nepali Congress (NC) has officially decided to project its President, Gagan Thapa, as the candidate for Prime Minister in the upcoming House of Representatives elections.
The decision was taken during a Central Working Committee (CWC) meeting held at the central party headquarters in Sanepa on Friday. According to Vice President Bishaw Prakash Sharma, the proposal to name Thapa as the PM candidate was tabled by Sharma himself and seconded by Vice President Pushpa Bhusal.
Traditionally, the NC used to select its parliamentary party leader—and subsequently its PM candidate—only after elections. Vice President Sharma stated that this early declaration aims to provide transparency, making it easier for voters to decide which party to support based on leadership. The move is viewed as an effort to energize the electorate and streamline the party’s campaign under a singular leadership vision.
"By announcing our Prime Ministerial candidate ahead of the polls, we are providing clarity to the voters," Sharma told reporters after the meeting. "This ensures that the public knows exactly who will lead the government if they entrust the Nepali Congress with their vote."
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