Kathmandu: Nepali Congress leader and former Chief Minister of Koshi Province, Kedar Karki, has made a harsh comment targeting his own party's recent political agenda and leadership. Writing a status on the social media platform Facebook on Tuesday (Falgun 26), he claimed that the outcome of the recently concluded elections has completely rejected the agenda of 'constitutional amendment'.
In the general elections held recently on Falgun 20, the Nepali Congress, which contested under the leadership of General Secretary Gagan Thapa, suffered a humiliating defeat. Following this historic loss in the election, Karki's remark is being viewed as a severe jibe and an expression of dissatisfaction against the leadership.
What was the background?
Earlier, on Asadh 17, 2081 BS, a coalition government was formed under the leadership of CPN-UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli, following a major agreement between the Nepali Congress and CPN-UML to 'amend the constitution'. However, a historic, nationwide 'Gen-Z Rebellion' in Mangsir 2082 BS ousted the said Congress-UML coalition government. Following that rebellion, the country headed for fresh elections, where the Congress suffered a massive blow.
What is in Karki's Facebook status?
In his status, former Chief Minister Karki argued that the narrative of 'constitutional amendment' and the 'abolishing of the proportional electoral system' raised when the Oli government was formed has been outrightly dismissed by the people through the elections.
He wrote, "The vision of the Nepali Congress's principles, ideology, and statute is to empower the majority through periodic elections and hold competitors accountable. The recently concluded election has played a crucial role in strengthening and empowering democracy. It has brought the derailed constitution back on track and has rejected constitutional amendment."
He also strongly defended federalism and the electoral system. "It has given a fitting reply to those who claim the country cannot sustain federalism," he further wrote. "Similarly, the election has also rejected the narrative that there are problems in the electoral system and that no one can secure a majority as long as the proportional system exists. Another major message of the election is that federalism must be made strong, self-reliant, and effective."
Finally, stating that respecting the public mandate is the morality, value, and norm of a democrat, he congratulated all the winners and wrote 'Jaya Nepal'.
The internal conflict and ideological polarization within the Congress—following the government overthrown by the Gen-Z rebellion and the electoral defeat suffered under Gagan Thapa's leadership—have surfaced alongside Karki's status.