Nepali Congress Pledges to End Political Interference in State Institutions

The Nepali Congress has pledged to end political interference in state institutions, including the judiciary, constitutional bodies, police and universities, as part of its 10-point election pledge unveiled in Janakpur on Wednesday.

Despite facing criticism in the past over alleged politicisation of state bodies, the party has committed to ending partisan influence in key institutions and ensuring equal treatment under the law for all citizens — from ordinary people to those holding the highest offices of power.

“The discriminatory situation where the law burdens the poor but spares the powerful will end,” the manifesto states. “The doors of public service will remain equally open to all. Political interference in the judiciary, constitutional bodies, police, universities and other state institutions will end.”

The party has also promised to ensure that appointments to state institutions will be made through clean and transparent selection processes, prioritising merit, integrity, competence and loyalty to the Constitution.

The manifesto, described as a broad vision document, outlines general commitments but does not elaborate in detail on the specific policies, strategies or action plans to achieve its stated goals.

On the economic front, the Congress has pledged to adopt policies that encourage entrepreneurship and investment. It has promised state support for individuals who invest, generate employment, create wealth and engage in production — from small to large businesses.

“The state will stand with those who take risks, create jobs and contribute to production,” the manifesto says, adding that economically disadvantaged citizens will be empowered to generate income and build assets. It also commits to ensuring fair wages, social security and dignity for workers.

The party has pledged to promote transparent and lawful profit-making while strictly controlling the illegal accumulation and misuse of wealth. It has also committed to promoting financial integrity and ethical conduct as a political culture.

The manifesto further promises to maximise the use of technology in public services to realise the concept of a “Digital Nepal,” aiming to curb corruption and bureaucratic delays. Citizens, it says, will be able to access government services from home and freely question the government in a democratic environment.

Party President Gagan Kumar Thapa said the party’s vision is to build a country where every Nepali can live with dignity and realise their dreams.

“We will build a Nepal where every citizen can live with respect, where people can dream and see those dreams fulfilled within their lifetime,” Thapa said. He also pledged to create a nation where farmers can feed the country and promote Nepali products globally, where families do not have to take loans to educate their children and where people can access healthcare without fear.

Meanwhile, the party has announced an open question-and-answer session on Thursday to discuss the manifesto in detail.

Under the programme titled “Our Pledge – Your Questions”, Thapa will respond to queries from within the country and abroad beginning at 1 pm at the Rastriya Sabha Griha (City Hall) in Kathmandu. According to party spokesperson Devraj Chalise, questions will be taken both from participants at the venue and through digital platforms, with Thapa responding live.

The Congress claims the interactive session marks the first time in Nepal’s political history that a party leader will publicly and directly answer citizens’ questions on an election manifesto. The party has stated that it aims to form a government under its leadership and implement its five-year plan as outlined in the pledge.