KATHMANDU, Jan 26: Nepali Congress (NC) President and House of Representatives candidate from Sarlahi Constituency No. 4, Gagan Thapa, said on Monday that he had come to Sarlahi not for symbolic campaign gestures but to serve as a committed representative of the people.
Addressing a corner meeting in Dhankaul Rural Municipality–2 during his first visit to the constituency, Thapa told voters and supporters that his candidacy was rooted in long-term service rather than fleeting political appearances. “I have not come here just to speak briefly, wave hands, and take photographs,” he said. “I have come to belong to you, to be part of you.”
Recalling his arrival in the district, Thapa said he bowed to the soil of Sarlahi, acknowledging the historic contribution of Madhes to the NC, Nepal’s democracy, and the nation at large. He added that his association with late leader Pradeep Giri had helped him better understand the Madhes region.
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“Until I fully commit myself to Madhes, I do not feel I can be a complete Nepali,” he said.
A former health minister, Thapa said his team had already begun work to improve education, health, and agriculture in the constituency. He expressed concern over the declining standards of Madhes-based schools that once produced mathematics and science teachers for the country. “One of my key priorities as a representative from Sarlahi would be to strengthen the education system,” he said.
“It is unfortunate that today schoolchildren in Madhes are weak in mathematics, science, and English,” Thapa said, pledging to equip students with the skills needed to compete in the information technology era and to reduce the compulsion for young people to seek employment abroad.
Thapa, who has served three terms as a lawmaker from Kathmandu Constituency No. 4, said he chose to contest from Sarlahi for a fourth term to win the trust and confidence of the local people.
Stressing that an elected lawmaker is a servant, not a ruler, he announced plans to establish a permanent liaison office in Kathmandu dedicated to addressing the concerns of Sarlahi–4 residents.
“You will not have to search the streets of Kathmandu to find your MP,” he said. “There will be an organised office to listen to your grievances and resolve your problems while coordinating with your local area.”
Thapa assured voters that supporting him by casting ballots for the NC’s tree symbol in the March 5 election would be a decision they would never regret. “I may be the Congress president or a leader elsewhere,” he said, “but for Sarlahi–4, I am your servant.”
