Nepali Congress leader and proportional representative lawmaker Arjun Narsingh KC has publicly addressed the persistent attempts to diminish his political stature by labeling him merely as the father-in-law of General Secretary Gagan Thapa. Speaking with News Agency Nepal, KC characterized these comparisons as a calculated conspiracy designed to undermine both his legacy and Thapa’s rising leadership.
The veteran politician emphasized that his journey in the democratic movement began long before his familial connection to Thapa. He recalled his first incarceration starting on December 16, 1960, for distributing pamphlets against King Mahendra's royal coup. KC argued that those who view him only through the lens of his son-in-law’s success are either ignorant of his personal contributions to institutionalizing democracy or are participating in a deliberate smear campaign.
Drawing parallels from party history, KC noted that prominent leaders like Shailaja Acharya and Sushil Koirala held high-ranking positions based on their individual merits and sacrifices, despite their relations to former Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala. He maintained that criticizing a seasoned politician's role solely based on family relations is unjust, especially when that individual has an established track record of service.
KC further clarified that while he is immensely proud of Gagan Thapa’s influential leadership and current relevance in national politics, his own identity as Arjun Narsingh remains independent. He suggested that internal elements within the Nepali Congress, along with external critics, are using this narrative to attack the party's transformation efforts.
Reiterating his commitment to party reform, KC stated that his support for a special convention and leadership transition stems from his vision for a transformed Nepali Congress. He concluded by suggesting that those resistant to change are the ones weaponizing his family ties, though he remains unfazed by such tactical maneuvers.
