PB Pokhrel
Nepal’s political landscape stands at a crossroads following the Gen-G protest. As the country’s oldest democratic party, the Nepali Congress (NC) faces a historic responsibility: to rebuild public trust, lead meaningful reforms, and restore hope in democratic governance.
Restoring Public Confidence and Moral Leadership
The Gen-G movement was a wake-up call, highlighting frustration over corruption, stagnation, and weak accountability. For the NC to regain moral authority, leaders like Gagan Thapa and other emerging voices must set new ethical standards. Integrity, transparency, and a reform-driven mindset are key to moving the party away from patronage politics toward citizen-centered governance.
Recommendation: Introduce a “Code of Political Ethics and Transparency” to institutionalize integrity and rebuild public trust.
Strengthening Internal Democracy
Before leading national reform, the Congress must reform itself. Inclusivity, decentralization, and merit-based decision-making are essential. Empowering youth and women, ending factionalism, and promoting collaboration over competition will strengthen credibility and ensure sustainable leadership.
Recommendation: Establish a Young Leaders Council and conduct transparent internal elections for key roles.
Shifting to Policy-Driven Politics
Nepal faces deep-rooted challenges, from unemployment and corruption to weak governance and climate vulnerability. The NC must shift from rhetoric to evidence-based, policy-driven politics. Young leaders can spearhead initiatives in economic revival, digital governance, green growth, and institutional reform.
Recommendation: Launch a Policy Innovation and Research Unit (PIRU) to develop actionable, non-partisan policy frameworks.
Building Consensus and Practicing Constructive Opposition
In turbulent times, the NC’s role as a democratic stabilizer is vital. Rather than deepening polarization, the party should act as a bridge — fostering dialogue, consensus, and reconciliation among all stakeholders. Actions should prioritize national interest, democratic integrity, and rule of law over partisan advantage.
Recommendation: Organize a National Dialogue Forum uniting political parties, civil society, and youth representatives to shape a shared vision for governance reform.
Engaging Youth and Civil Society
The Gen-G protest demonstrated that Nepal’s youth are informed, organized, and eager for reform. The NC should harness this energy by creating participatory spaces such as policy labs, hackathons, and civic dialogue platforms, connecting institutions with young innovators.
Recommendation: Launch a “Youth for Reform” initiative to ensure continuous collaboration with social movements and civic innovators.
Conclusion
To remain relevant, the Nepali Congress must transform from a party of legacy into a party of renewal. Its young leaders, particularly figures like Gagan Thapa, have the opportunity to convert the spirit of the Gen-G movement into a blueprint for democratic revival. Success will not be measured only in electoral victories but in the party’s ability to restore faith in democracy, deliver good governance, and inspire a new generation of Nepalis to believe in politics once again.
