Gagan Criticizes Balen: 'I won't perform local language dramas by memorizing two lines'

Nepali Congress General Secretary Gagan Thapa has stated that he did not come to Sarlahi merely to ask for votes from the people, but rather wishes to establish an emotional connection with the soil and the people here.

Addressing a gathering of leading cadres and a party entry program organized in Balara Municipality of Sarlahi on Tuesday, Thapa—who is also a candidate for Sarlahi-4—clarified that he would not be a "guest leader" who shows his face during elections and then disappears.

Thapa asserted that he does not possess the tendency of other leaders who come in a hurry during elections, take photos, wave hands as a formality, and then vanish like magic. He mentioned that during his address, party workers had suggested he speak a few words in the local language. However, he stated he would not perform a "drama" just to receive applause.

"Friends told me I should speak two lines in the local language here, but I don't want to act like I speak the language by memorizing it overnight," Thapa said. "After becoming your representative, whether it takes six months or a year, I will learn the local language, get to know everyone by name, and only then speak fluently."

Recalling his time as a Member of Parliament in Kathmandu, he shared how he won the trust of the Newar community by immersing himself in their culture, festivals, and processions despite being non-Newar. 

He expressed his commitment to creating an environment where the community in Sarlahi would similarly accept and consider him one of their own.