Nepali Congress President Gagan Thapa said on Tuesday that his engagement in Sarlahi is focused on building a long-term relationship with local residents rather than merely seeking votes during the election period.
Thapa is contesting the House of Representatives election from Sarlahi Constituency No. 4. He made the remarks while meeting party leaders and cadres in the district.
He said he does not want to be a leader who appears only during elections and disappears afterward. Thapa said he has distanced himself from what he described as the practice of visiting constituencies solely for campaign appearances and photographs.
Thapa said he was advised to use a few local-language words to draw applause but declined to do so, stating that he does not believe in performative gestures for political gain.
Recalling his experience as a lawmaker in Kathmandu, Thapa said that despite not belonging to the Newar community, he earned trust by actively engaging with Newar culture and festivals. He said he intends to build a similar relationship with the people of Sarlahi through sustained interaction and mutual respect.
Rejecting theatrical and sensational approaches to politics, Thapa said he is committed to working in Sarlahi Constituency No. 4 not only as a political representative but also as a friend and companion to the people.
