Kathmandu, Oct. 4 -- Nepali Congress president Gagan Thapa has called on his party to become a bridge between Nepal's democratic past and its future, saying it must connect generations, respond to citizens' concerns and restore public faith in politics.

Addressing the inaugural ceremony of the Congress's 15th general convention in Kathmandu on Sunday, Thapa said the party should serve as a bridge for democracy, prosperity, justice and trust.

"Congress wants democracy and diversity. We must be able to deliver to citizens and protect their dignity," he said. "We must become a bridge between people's needs and the circumstances they face, between history and possibility. If the bridge collapses, trust collapses."

Thapa said the central qu...