Former Prime Minister Dr. Baburam Bhattarai has said Nepal does not need a large number of political parties, arguing that the multiplicity of parties has contributed to political instability. He made the remarks at the opening ceremony of the 15th Nepali Congress Convention at Khulamanch in Kathmandu on October 4, 2026.
Bhattarai said Nepal must compete with neighbouring countries India and China, and that political parties cannot afford to remain in their old mould. He urged them to compete by presenting separate plans for national development and to trust the new generation.
Bhattarai urges parties to focus on development
Addressing the convention, Bhattarai said the number of political parties was an issue for Nepal as the country faced the challenge of competing with its neighbours. He called on parties to move beyond established ways of working and put forward distinct approaches to national development.
He also said parties should place their trust in the new generation. Bhattarai congratulated Nepali Congress President Gagan Thapa and said he does not believe in old superstitions.
Remarks at Nepali Congress convention
Bhattarai’s comments came during the opening ceremony of the party’s 15th convention in Kathmandu. Read the reports from Nepal Press and Khabarhub.
