'A Central Working Committee meeting has been called for March 20, where the president's resignation will be formally discussed. The decision to resign lies with the president, and he has done so,' the paper said quoting a party office-bearer, confirming Thapa's resignation. 'But it is the prerogative of the Central Working Committee to decide whether to accept the resignation.'

Thapa himself lost from Sarlahi-4 by a wide margin to Amaresh Kumar Singh of the Rastriya Swatantra Party. Singh secured 35,688 votes, while Thapa received 22,831.

Under mounting pressure following the party's poor performance in the elections, Thapa had been preparing to resign for several days, Kathmandu Post said. Party spokesperson Devaraj Chalise said the upcoming meeting—the first since the elections—will review the results, leadership accountability and organisational weaknesses.

Earlier, a central committee meeting chaired by Thapa was held to finalise the list of lawmakers elected under the proportional representation system. However, the meeting did not address other issues.

According to Chalise, Vice President Bishwa Prakash Sharma, as coordinator of the election mobilisation committee, will present a review report at the meeting.

'The changed image of the Congress following the special general convention remained limited to only party workers and did not reach the broader public. There may be other reasons for the defeat as well,' Chalise said.

'Reports are incoming from districts. We will have detailed discussions to identify the causes of the defeat and take further moves to strengthen the party. The issue of the regular general convention will also be discussed.'

Who will lead the party is expected to be decided at the next general convention to be held sometime in May or June. Former prime minister Sher Bahadur Deuba is expected to be consulted on this or play a role.