Congress to replace manifesto with ‘Pledge Charter’: Gagan

KATHMANDU: Nepali Congress President Gagan Thapa has announced that the party will replace its traditional election manifesto with a new “Pledge Charter” in the upcoming general election, signaling a shift toward performance-based and accountable politics.

Addressing an election rally in Siraha, Thapa said future politics should no longer be confined to five-year plans but must be grounded in daily performance, transparency, and public accountability.

Explaining the party’s proposed governance model, Thapa said that if elections are held in Falgun and a government is formed in Chaitra, the Prime Minister would begin a new era of accountability from Baisakh 1. Under this model, the Prime Minister would avoid vague five-year promises and instead present a monthly public report, standing before citizens every 30 days to explain what was achieved and what could not be delivered.

Thapa also clarified his decision to contest the election from Sarlahi–4, leaving what is considered his safer constituency in Kathmandu.

He said meaningful national leadership is impossible without understanding Madhesh. Born in the hills and raised in the city, Thapa said he understands those regions well and has gone to Madhes to connect its issues directly with Kathmandu’s “permanent power centers.”

Criticizing the long-standing political culture of seeking votes every five years and then disappearing, Thapa pledged to introduce a new working style focused on continuous engagement and responsibility.