KATHMANDU: Nepali Congress General Secretary Gagan Kumar Thapa has dismissed the accusations made by party central committee member and former minister Mohan Bahadur Basnet as baseless, indecent, and politically inappropriate.

Speaking at the party’s Central Working Committee meeting on Wednesday, Thapa said, “I won’t become dirty by spreading dirt,” in response to Basnet’s allegations.

Basnet, recently released on bail in connection with the Terramox case, had indirectly accused Thapa of being behind the CIAA investigation against him. Thapa, however, rejected the claims, saying they crossed the boundaries of political and civil discourse.

Referring to his parents’ advice, Thapa added, “My father used to say—respond to accusations. My mother used to say—don’t spread dirt, or you’ll become dirty yourself. Today, I’ll follow my mother’s advice.”

He also criticized the use of threatening language during his absence at the meeting, saying it reflects a moral downfall.

Thapa said he was away attending talks regarding the demands of the Nepal Tarun Dal, the party’s youth wing.

Meanwhile, Basnet reportedly expressed anger during the meeting, alleging that it was Thapa’s influence that prompted the CIAA to investigate him.