KATHMANDU, May 23: Nepali Congress (NC) President Gagan Thapa has called for a comprehensive investigation into the September 9 incidents, while issuing a sharp critique of the government over governance failures, constitutional conduct, and worsening economic pressures on citizens.
Speaking at a party program in Sunsari on Friday, NC President Thapa demanded a full investigation into the September 9 incidents following the Gen-Z protests, stating that those responsible for loss of life and property must be held accountable. He said that while investigations into September 8 incidents had progressed, the events of September 9—where he claimed the highest damage occurred—also required scrutiny. He further urged the public release of the National Human Rights Commission’s report on the movement.
Thapa also urged the government to remain accountable and avoid what he described as growing arrogance stemming from its parliamentary strength. He warned that despite securing a strong public mandate, the administration must not misuse its numerical advantage and should remain answerable to the public.
Governance in Social transformations in Nepal
Referring to the ruling Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), Thapa said previous governments with comfortable majorities had also failed to complete their full terms due to weak governance practices. He said the mandate to govern is respected, but accountability to citizens remains non-negotiable.
Thapa also cautioned Prime Minister Balen Shah and other political leaders against actions that exceed constitutional boundaries, stressing that no individual or institution is above the Constitution and the law. He said popularity or electoral strength cannot justify bypassing legal procedures.
He criticized the demolition of informal settlements without adequate rehabilitation for affected squatters, stating that while encroachment must be addressed according to law, humanitarian obligations must also be fulfilled. He added that the NC would support systematic settlement management but warned against unilateral or arbitrary action.
Thapa further alleged that the government had been detaining business leaders, industrialists, bankers, and construction entrepreneurs without sufficient justification in some cases, claiming that arrests were made even when individuals were unable to meet officials at short notice. He warned that such actions would face political resistance, adding that the Nepali Congress should not be underestimated.
Highlighting mounting economic pressure, Thapa said rising fuel prices and increased transportation and production costs were severely affecting households, farmers, and businesses. He noted that inflation in essential goods was straining family budgets, while fertilizer shortages and irrigation problems were deepening challenges in the agriculture sector.
He also accused the government of projecting progress in cooperative fraud cases through limited fund disbursement, while victims were still awaiting the return of nearly Rs 100 billion in savings. He called for urgent reforms in the national health insurance system, which he said had significantly weakened.
On constitutional matters, Thapa warned against treating ongoing discussions on constitutional amendments lightly, stating that the 2015 Constitution carries deep emotional and political significance and should not be altered by a small group without broad consensus. He stressed that any amendment must reflect Nepal’s diversity and public sentiment.
On governance and transparency, Thapa called for clarity on the mandate of the commission investigating the assets of public officials. He said he was ready to face scrutiny if wrongdoing was found and challenged the prime minister and ministers to do the same, while emphasizing that individuals have the legal right to earn wealth legitimately.
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