Thapa denies financial dealings in NC’s legal battle, defends integrity

Kathmandu / Nov 5: Nepali Congress (NC) President Gagan Thapa has claimed that no financial transactions or wrongdoing took place in the party’s political and legal battle over its official status. Saying that a deliberate misinformation campaign was being waged against him, he expressed confidence that a police investigation would bring the facts to light.

In a video message released on Thursday, Thapa clarified that the party’s special general convention was the outcome of a rebellion and that he and his colleagues had also participated in it. Describing the convention as an effort to bring change within the party in recognition of the youth uprising of September 8 and 9, he denied any financial manipulation in the political and legal battle surrounding it.

“Not a single penny was exchanged, nor was there any financial transaction or wrongdoing in the political and legal battle over the Nepali Congress’s official status,” Thapa said.

Responding to the reported audio recording linking his name to fixer Iman Sapkota, who is in police custody for investigation, Thapa said he had no knowledge of where, when, by whom or why the audio was recorded. He said he did not see any reason to keep responding publicly to the alleged contents of the recording.

He maintained that questions should now be directed at those connected to the audio controversy rather than at him. Stressing the need for an impartial investigation, he urged the authorities to examine the roles of all those involved and establish the facts. “The questions should no longer be directed at us. They should be asked where they need to be asked. It is the responsibility of the concerned authorities to ensure that the investigation is impartial and establish who is involved and how,” he said.

Clarifying that he had not avoided political meetings out of fear over the audio controversy, Thapa said he had held discussions with leaders of various parties on the confidence vote for the Madhesh provincial government and other contemporary political issues. He said such political engagements were natural, as the NC-led government in Madhesh would need to seek a vote of confidence within the next five to seven days.

He also described his meetings with CPN (Maoist Centre) Chair Pushpa Kamal Dahal and CPN-UML Chair KP Sharma Oli as routine political consultations. Insisting that he had nothing to hide, he said discussions concerning the government were taking place openly.

Thapa urged the incumbent government to respect its five-year mandate and carry out its responsibilities, while questioning its priorities. He said the government’s key priorities should include rehabilitating disaster-displaced citizens, resolving the problems of landless squatters, creating employment opportunities and improving the investment climate.

“Such a massive disaster has occurred, and many people have been left homeless. The government should be focused on how to rehabilitate them. What is the state of employment and investment in the economy? The government must pay attention to these issues,” he said.

He also clarified that the Nepali Congress would support the government when it took the right steps and question it when it did not. He warned that the party would not remain silent if there were attempts to curtail democratic rights or weaken state institutions.

Accusing certain quarters of deliberately trying to create an alternative narrative after he began questioning the government, Thapa said such efforts would not deter him from raising concerns over the government’s actions.

Urging people to have faith in his integrity and political conduct, Thapa maintained that he had no reason to compromise his principles. “There is no stain on my hands and no darkness in my heart. I am clean, and my hands are clean,” he said, adding, “I do not stand on a weak moral foundation. So, those who care about me can rest assured.”

Recalling that he had previously criticised the actions of powerful governments, including those led by his own party, Thapa said his character had repeatedly come under attack simply because he raised questions.

Thapa stressed that deliberate propaganda and rumours should not undermine citizens’ right to question the government and political leadership. He said protecting a culture of questioning was essential for democracy and the country’s progress. “Amid all this orchestrated propaganda, the right questions must not die. If questions die, democracy will perish, and not just democracy, but our progress as well,” he said.