A group supported by Congress General Secretary Gagan Thapa held a youth gathering in Sandhikharka on Saturday. Thapa's photo was placed on the banner of the gathering, which was organized by the District Youth Gathering Group in preparation for the upcoming 15th convention.

Congress Lumbini Province Joint General Secretary Bishnu Prasad Khanal, member Shanta Bhandari, District President Keshav Shrestha, and some district party office bearers, members, and youth participated in the gathering. Addressing the gathering led by Congress Province Assembly 2 Vice President Arjun Pokharel, Khanal claimed that the party would win a majority if it went to the general convention under the leadership of Thapa. He commented that it is impossible to win the parliamentary election in Arghakhanchi unless the youth are with it. Eight names, including Khanal, have been recommended for the House of Representatives elections to be held on 21 Falgun. Apart from Khanal, no other candidate was present at the gathering. He claims that the people will prefer it only if the party holds a general convention before the elections and goes to seek votes under the party leadership and with new-faced candidates in the elections. Khanal, Shrestha, and other leaders who opened up in the Gagan group were previously close to Shekhar Koirala. After Congress Lumbini Province President Amarsingh Pun moved towards Gagan, the Arghakhanchi team including Khanal has also moved towards that. Khanal is considered decisive and influential in the Arghakhanchi Congress.