The Central Working Committee meeting of Nepali Congress on Sunday unanimously rejected the resignation tendered by party president Gagan Thapa.

Thapa had submitted his resignation to vice-president Bishwa Prakash Sharma last Wednesday, which was presented to the committee for deliberation on Friday.

During the meeting, all 88 office-bearers and members who spoke said Thapa should continue to lead the party, concluding that the recent electoral setbacks were primarily the result of deep-rooted structural issues and external circumstances beyond the immediate control of the leadership, rather than individual failure.

While appreciating Thapa’s move as a commendable gesture of moral accountability, the meeting emphasised that his continued leadership is essential given the complexities of the current national political landscape.

Participants argued that accepting the resignation at this juncture would create unnecessary instability and confusion within the party ranks, potentially dampening the morale of cadres across the country.

The committee said the party should now focus its collective efforts on preparations for the upcoming 15th General Convention rather than engaging in a leadership transition.