Presidential political advisor Sunil Bahadur Thapa resigns to return to active politics

Sunil Bahadur Thapa, Political Advisor to the President, has resigned from his position to engage more actively in Nepali Congress politics ahead of the upcoming elections and the party’s general convention.

“In view of the current political context, I have decided to become more actively involved in meaningful political activities so that I can continue working for the vision of our party and the nation,” Thapa wrote. “To ensure my political future within the mainstream political arena, I hereby submit my resignation from the post of Political Advisor.”

Thapa had served as Political Advisor since Chaitra 14, 2079 BS (April 2023), carrying out his responsibilities under President Ram Chandra Paudel’s administration. In his letter, he expressed gratitude for the opportunity and appreciation for the cooperation and guidance extended by the President and presidential office staff.

“I have carried out my responsibilities with honesty and dedication,” he stated, requesting that his resignation be accepted to allow him to re-engage as a core member of the Nepali Congress.

Thapa, son of late former Prime Minister Surya Bahadur Thapa, entered Nepali politics in 2011 after resigning from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), where he had an international career.

Initially affiliated with the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP), he was elected from Dhankuta-2 in the second Constituent Assembly elections of 2070 BS and served as a central committee member.

His government experience includes serving as Minister for Industry, Commerce, and Supplies in the Sher Bahadur Deuba-led cabinet of 2047 BS (1990-91).

In 2077 BS (2020), Thapa joined the Nepali Congress and was appointed Joint General Secretary. He was later elected as a central committee member during the party’s fourteenth general convention.

His return to active party politics comes at a crucial time for the Nepali Congress, which is preparing for both internal organizational elections and national polls. As a central committee member with ministerial experience and international exposure, Thapa’s re-entry into mainstream politics is expected to strengthen the party’s organizational capacity.