KATHMANDU: Nepali Congress (NC) Vice-President Bishwa Prakash Sharma has said that the 15th general convention has begun a new journey of the party. He said that after the general convention, the NC would come forward stronger, energetic and with the sentiments of the new generation.

Addressing the inaugural ceremony of the general convention, Sharma said that the Nepali Congress, which has a history of 80 years, has played an important role in every crisis of the country from the democratic movement. He said that the Nepali Congress, established under the leadership of Jananayak BP Koirala, should move forward by connecting the struggle for democracy with the new generation.

Stating that a majority government was formed under the leadership of Rastriya Swatantra Party after the March 4 elections and the NC was in the role of the main opposition, Sharma said that the NC was ready to join hands with the government on necessary issues to make the country successful. He said that the political parties should stand together on important issues of national interest.

Sharma also stressed on the need to address the impact of climate change in Nepal, the issues raised by the Madhes movement and the demands of the Geneji movement. Stating that the state should formulate a policy to connect Nepalis living within and outside the country, he said that the issues of citizenship, investment and rights of Nepalis living abroad should be seriously addressed.

“There are two Nepalis – Nepal outside Nepal and Nepal inside Nepal. Both of these should be connected to Nepal,” Sharma said, adding, “Nepalis living abroad want to invest in Nepal’s development. The Nepali Congress is ready to address their sentiments and the issue of citizenship as envisaged by the constitution.” ’

Stating that anger towards each other was increasing on social media despite the formation of the new government, Sharma said that there was a need for dialogue, goodwill and unity in the Nepali society at present. He said that not only geography, but also the hearts of Nepalis should be connected.

Stating that the Congress has entered a new phase under the leadership of Gagan Kumar Thapa after the special convention, Sharma said that the general convention was attended by the leaders of the democratic movement, the families of martyrs and the Genji generation. He described it as a new energy of the Nepali Congress, saying that a large number of the 35,000 delegates were youths.

“This is the beginning of the journey. After the general convention, we will come forward with a strong Congress,” Sharma said.

He said that the Congress will be taken forward with a new perspective and energy while respecting the tradition. Sharma said that the general convention will strengthen the Congress organizationally and prepare the basis for playing an effective role in the political, economic and social transformation of the country.