KATHMANDU: Nepali Congress President Gagan Thapa has resigned from his position after the party performed poorly in the House of Representatives election.

He submitted his resignation to Vice President Bishwa Prakash Sharma on Wednesday. After the party failed to achieve expected results in the election held on Falgun 21, Thapa decided to step down, taking moral responsibility.

Sources say he wanted to resign earlier but Sharma had suggested waiting for some time. After the proportional representation candidate selection process was completed, he formally resigned.

Thapa himself lost the election from Sarlahi-4. Under his leadership, the Nepali Congress won only 18 out of 165 constituencies. In total the party secured 38 seats (18 direct and 20 proportional), making it the second largest party.

Meanwhile, the Rastriya Swatantra Party has emerged as the largest party with nearly a two thirds majority.

Earlier, leaders close to former president Sher Bahadur Deuba had been demanding Thapa’s resignation, holding him responsible for the defeat. They had also taken the issue of a special general convention to the Supreme Court, where the case is still under consideration.

Thapa had become party president on Poush 30 through a special general convention and led the party into the election with very limited preparation time.

In his resignation letter, he admitted that due to time constraints he could not effectively communicate the message of a “changed Congress” to the voters. He also clearly stated that he takes full responsibility for the results.

The Nepali Congress has called a central committee meeting tomorrow at 1 PM to review the election results. There are also growing demands within the party for a regular general convention.

Although he has stepped down, Thapa said he will remain active in efforts to reform and rebuild the party. According to him, this decision is not the end but the beginning of self-review and renewal.