Nepali Congress President Gagan Thapa has said that throughout his political career, he has consistently chosen difficult paths over easier and safer options.
Chooses Sarlahi Over a Comfortable Kathmandu Contest
Speaking on Saturday at an interaction program with voters from Sarlahi in Baneshwor, Thapa said that although contesting from Kathmandu–4 would have been relatively easy for him this time, he deliberately chose the more challenging option by deciding to run from Sarlahi in the Madhes region.
Thapa said that while this election would have been extremely comfortable for him if he had contested from Kathmandu, he consciously decided to step away from that convenience. He noted that when media speculation was ongoing about whether he would contest from Kathmandu or Sarlahi, the party had not even finalized its candidates. Despite the ease Kathmandu offered, he chose a harder path.
According to Thapa, he had made a firm decision that he needed to step outside Kathmandu. He acknowledged that although he had received similar recommendations in the past, he lacked the courage to act on them then. This time, however, he said he resolved that he must take that step.
“I took a risk and dedicated myself to the Madhes,” Thapa said. “Only if I attempt to provide leadership in the Madhes can I truly become a national leader of Nepal. For that, I must go to the Madhes, walk alongside friends there, immerse myself in the region, learn its language, and understand its people, culture, and realities.”
Says He Has Also Taken Risks Within the Party
Thapa also said that he has chosen difficult paths not only in elections but within the party as well. Recalling a recent episode, he said he was on the verge of being expelled from the party for five years. He added that had his colleagues not supported him during the special general convention, he would have been standing before the public today as an expelled party member.
“I believe that one must fight one’s own battles and do one’s duty, leaving the rest to fate,” Thapa said. “That is why I chose to fight. I did not take the easy route or settle into a comfortable position. The same approach I followed in the party is what I am trying to apply in the context of my candidacy as well.”
Thapa further said that while being elected three times from Kathmandu–4, he received votes not only from Nepali Congress supporters but also from voters of other parties. Expressing gratitude, he said he remains indebted to all those who trusted him with their votes.
