Gagan Thapa Warns of Crackdown on Unauthorized Party Activities

Nepali Congress chief signals tough stance amid internal faction tensions and parallel political actions

Gagan Thapa has warned of firm action against unauthorized activities within the Nepali Congress, signaling rising tensions as internal factions continue parallel operations. His remarks highlight growing concerns over party unity and discipline ahead of key political processes.

Speaking at a New Year greeting event on Tuesday, Thapa cautioned that activities conducted outside official party structures would not be tolerated if they cross defined limits.

Internal Tensions Surface in Party

Thapa’s remarks were widely seen as directed toward the faction aligned with former party president Sher Bahadur Deuba, which has been accused of running parallel political activities. “Unauthorized actions outside the party office have limits,” Thapa said. “If those limits are crossed, it cannot be tolerated.”

The comments come amid ongoing friction within the party as leaders prepare for internal conventions and broader electoral challenges.

Membership Drive Highlights Leadership Push

Earlier in the day, Thapa attended a ward-level event in Kathmandu, where he launched a membership renewal campaign and updated his own active membership. He urged party leaders to avoid internal disputes and support efforts to strengthen the organization.

“I need to move the party forward, complete the convention process, and prepare the country for upcoming elections,” he said, calling for cooperation from all sides.

Call for Unity With Subtle Warning

While emphasizing inclusiveness, Thapa also issued a clear message to dissenting factions. “Those who can support, please do. Those who cannot, please do not disturb,” he said, underlining the need for discipline within the party ranks.

He added that while he remains committed to dialogue and flexibility, his approach should not be mistaken for weakness.

Congress Pledges Constructive Opposition Role

Thapa also reiterated that the Nepali Congress would play a constructive role as an opposition party, supporting government actions that align with legal and governance standards. He stressed that the party would back initiatives promoting good governance and work collaboratively across federal, provincial, and local levels.

The statement signals an attempt to balance internal consolidation with external political positioning as Nepal’s political landscape continues to evolve.