KATHMANDU: Nepali Congress General Secretary Gagan Thapa has expressed heartfelt apologies for being unable to attend Chhath festival celebrations this year.

In a Facebook post, Thapa wrote that he regrets missing public events, including Dashain, Tihar, and Nepal Sambat festivities, and thanked organizers in Kathmandu and the Madhesh region for their invitations.

Thapa extended warm wishes to all Nepalis, invoking the blessings of Chhathi Mai and expressing hope to celebrate the festival together next year.

His message, however, comes amid heightened political activity within the party.

Thapa has been a prominent voice advocating for a leadership transition in the Nepali Congress, following the Gen Z-led protests demanding party renewal and reforms.