POKHARA: Nepali Congress President Gagan Kumar Thapa has emphasized that the debate on constitutional amendment must prioritize good governance, institutional growth, and the strengthening of federalism, noting that these commitments were core to the party’s election manifesto.

Speaking at a seminar on constitutional amendment organized by the Democratic Thinkers’ Society in Pokhara on Sunday, Thapa warned that a misaligned amendment process could trigger new national conflicts.

Characterizing the constitution as a living document requiring historical awareness rather than impulsive decisions, he affirmed that Nepali Congress is ready to debate any provision except core principles like democracy, the rule of law, civil liberties, and constitutionalism.

Despite its current numeric position in parliament, Thapa declared that the party holds a fundamental national responsibility to guard against any compromises on civil rights and constitutional supremacy.

Supporting the existing parliamentary system for choosing the executive and the mixed electoral model, Thapa also advocated for granting more autonomy to provincial and local governments.

He noted that while the party maintains no prejudice against the ruling Rastriya Swatantra Party, which holds a five-year mandate to govern, the Nepali Congress will continuously hold the administration accountable as the main opposition.

At the same event, Gandaki Province Chief Minister Surendra Raj Pandey pointed out that the federal government’s failure to enact timely overarching legislation has directly hindered provincial laws, urging structural reforms to eliminate distortions in federal implementation.

The seminar also featured insights from central chair Kulchandra Wagle, NC leader Chandra Bhandari, Gandaki President Shukraraj Sharma, and Kaski President Shishukala Parajuli, alongside a thematic working paper by advocate Kapilmani Dahal which was evaluated by Gandaki’s Chief Attorney, Chiranjibi Sharma.