Ex-Foreign Minister Gyawali questions Congress over Sept 9 incident
Through social media, Gyawali criticized Congress for remaining silent on the destructive Bhadra 24 incident and for attempting to give it a political cover.
KATHMANDU: Nepali Congress veteran Pradeep Gyawali has raised serious concerns over the party’s handling of recent events and the narratives presented in its special convention documents.
Through social media, Gyawali criticized Congress for remaining silent on the destructive Bhadra 24 (Sept 9) incident and for attempting to give it a political cover.
Without naming him directly, Gyawali appeared to target Congress General Secretary Gagan Thapa, warning that legitimizing attacks on democracy, the constitution, and national integrity under the guise of “protests” could be dangerous. He acknowledged the widespread public dissatisfaction and youth frustration that fueled the Bhadra 23 demonstrations, calling them understandable.
However, Gyawali described the events of Bhadra 24 as “national destruction and tragedy.” He emphasized that while social discontent and the growing gap between youth and state institutions were real, infiltrating protests to commit violence and using youth as human shields cannot be justified as legitimate activism. “If those responsible for bloodshed are considered ‘protesters,’ it grants legitimacy to crime,” he said, stressing the need to clearly distinguish between protest and anarchy, between dissent and rebellion.
Gyawali also pointed to rising public anger against the current “civilian government,” citing alleged scandals in the energy sector, neglect of the injured, and controversial ministerial decisions as key triggers.
He questioned, “Even if the activists themselves are frustrated today, does that justify torching the Singha Durbar again in the name of discontent?”
Urging the Congress to resolve internal disputes thoughtfully, Gyawali warned against using leadership mistakes as an excuse to attack the system itself. “Mistakes by leaders may happen, but if that becomes a reason to justify attacks on the constitution and national integrity, where will we end up?” he asked.
He concluded by stressing that political means must align with political ends, cautioning Congress workers not to follow the path shown by those who turned protests into destruction.
