Gagan Thapa: Federalism’s main problem is central government
Thapa remarked that even though the country has already transitioned into a federal system, the federal government has yet to fully embrace federalism.
KATHMANDU: Nepali Congress General Secretary Gagan Kumar Thapa has said that the biggest challenge facing federalism in Nepal is not the provinces but the central government itself.
Speaking at a program in Kathmandu on Friday, Thapa remarked that even though the country has already transitioned into a federal system, the federal government has yet to fully embrace federalism.
He noted that as Congress and the CPN-UML move forward with government formation, amending the constitution has been placed as the first priority.
He stressed that there should be no excuses—whether related to numbers or other pretexts—to delay this process.
Thapa further said that major political forces must be willing to take risks. He emphasized the need for broad discussions on how to move the constitutional amendment forward.
Highlighting the importance of inclusivity, Thapa stated that Parliament must be made more representative and that discussions should aim at creating a political environment where a single party can lead the country for a full five-year term.
He also underlined the need for serious debate on the judiciary, adding that he had never before witnessed such a level of public questioning of the courts.
