Mar 12, Kathmandu - Following the Nepali Congress's disappointing performance in the recent House of Representatives elections, local leaders and representatives from Lalitpur have appealed to party Chairman Gagan Thapa to reconsider resigning from his position.

In a joint press release, Lalitpur's municipal and village council leaders, including the mayor, deputy mayor, village presidents, and vice-presidents elected through the 2079 local elections, urged Thapa to continue his leadership. They emphasized that in the current complex political landscape, Thapa’s leadership is crucial for the party's stability and future direction.

The leaders highlighted the importance of Thapa’s role in safeguarding the party’s historic legacy, democracy, and national interests, as well as maintaining an effective stance in contemporary politics. They rejected recent discussions about Thapa’s potential resignation and stressed that strengthening the party requires continued leadership.

Prominent signatories of the statement include Rishidev Phuyal, head of the Lalitpur District Coordination Committee, and Chiribabu Maharjan, head of Lalitpur Metropolitan City.

In the recent election, Thapa was defeated from the Sarlahi-4 constituency by Amresh Kumar Singh of the RSP. The Nepali Congress secured only 18 direct seats in the House of Representatives, falling short of expectations, especially since the polls were held just about 50 days after a special convention.

This result has intensified pressure on Thapa’s leadership, with senior leaders close to former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba calling for his resignation, citing responsibility for the electoral outcome.

Earlier, Thapa reportedly discussed resigning during a conversation with Vice President Bishwa Kumar Sharma, expressing accountability for the defeat. However, Sharma is said to have advised him not to resign at this stage.