The Madhesh-Centric Political Journey of Congress Leader Dr. Dila Sangroula Panta

Kathmandu – Dr. Dila Sangroula Panta, a Central Working Committee member of the Nepali Congress and an academic leader, is currently on a tour of the Madhesh region.

Following the Gen-Z movement of Bhadra 23–24, the incumbent government has announced the House of Representatives elections for February 21, creating an electoral atmosphere across the country. Meanwhile, the Nepali Congress Central Working Committee has also fixed the dates for the party's 15th General Convention for Poush 26–28.

Dr. Panta, who has successfully led the Nepal Women’s Association, has been effectively fulfilling her role as a Central Member of the party. Recently, she took a firm stand in favor of holding the 15th General Convention on its regular scheduled date. 

She, along with 28 other central members, had submitted a memorandum to the party office regarding this. Since the party officially announced the convention dates, she has focused her activities on the Madhesh region.

Preparing to contest for an office-bearer position in the upcoming General Convention, she has already completed visits to Saptari, Siraha, Mahottari, Sarlahi, and Dhanusha. She shared that she plans to complete her tour of the remaining districts by Monday. She stated that despite the biting cold wave, she is traveling through Madhesh because it remains the foundational base of the Nepali Congress.

"I am holding discussions with colleagues in various districts on how to transform the Nepali Congress," she said. She added, "Congress does not wake up unless Madhesh wakes up, and democracy is not secure unless Congress wakes up."

She emphasized that it is currently necessary to overcome the sluggishness seen in the party organization amidst the rise of new political forces and regional parties in Madhesh. She stressed that the Congress should view Madhesh not just as a "vote bank" but as a "center of ideas."

As the 15th General Convention approaches, she insisted on ending factionalism and internal animosity within the party, urging for a "Congress of policy and thought" that rises above cliques.

"The 15th General Convention is not just a medium for leadership change; it is an opportunity to connect Congress with the pace and technology of the 21st century. Therefore, we don't just need positions; we need an organization that wins the trust of the people," she said.

She also stressed that everyone must remain vigilant to ensure transparency in the distribution of active party memberships.

Indicating that the House of Representatives election on Falgun 21 has become a battle of prestige for the Congress, she remarked that wise leadership is the need of the hour.

Dr. Sangroula has not limited her visit to political meetings; she has also been closely examining the cultural and economic aspects of Madhesh. She says, "Madhesh is the gateway to economic prosperity, but it is tragic that the farmers here are always struggling due to the lack of fertilizer and seeds." 

She emphasized that for the successful implementation of federalism, provincial governments must be further empowered, and good governance must be maintained at the local level.

Furthermore, she argued that the Congress would not be complete without the representation of Dalits, Muslims, Madheshis, and marginalized classes. "Making a Congress where everyone belongs is the main challenge right now," she concluded.