Nepal Marks 16th Death Anniversary of Former PM Girija Prasad Koirala

Kathmandu. The 16th death anniversary of former Prime Minister and former President of the Nepali Congress, Girija Prasad Koirala, is being observed today with various programs.

Koirala, who served as Prime Minister four times, passed away on Chaitra 7, 2066 BS due to pneumonia. He played a significant role in ending the Maoist insurgency and establishing peace in Nepal. In 2059 Ashoj 18 BS, after then-King Gyanendra deposed the democratically elected Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba and began appointing prime ministers favorable to him, the public's fascination with the monarchy started to wane. Girija Prasad led the subsequent movements.

In 2061 Magh 19 BS, when then-King Gyanendra banned political parties and became the Chairman of the Council of Ministers himself, Koirala united all parties and led the movement for the establishment of full democracy under his own leadership.

Under Koirala's leadership, King Gyanendra agreed on Baisakh 11, 2063 BS to reinstate the dissolved House of Representatives according to the roadmap of the seven agitating parties, a move also known as the Nepali 'Magna Carta'. Following the success of the movement, he became the Prime Minister for the fourth time. The reinstated House of Representatives, on Jestha 4, 2063 BS, curtailed all the King's powers, limiting him to a ceremonial role.

Under Koirala's leadership, the integration of the Maoist People's Liberation Army and arms management were completed. Under his leadership, the dream of his elder brother and founder of the Congress, BP Koirala, to hold Constituent Assembly elections, which had been pending for over six decades, was fulfilled on Chaitra 28, 2064 BS. Although the first Constituent Assembly could not promulgate the constitution, this became a historic event in Nepal's history. The first Constituent Assembly election also saw the then-rebel CPN-Maoist participate in parliamentary multi-party political competition.

Koirala, who served as Prime Minister four times, also held the responsibility of Acting Head of State during his final term. Koirala assumed the role of Acting Head of State after King Gyanendra was suspended. Under his leadership, on Jestha 15, 2065 BS, the Shah dynasty monarchy, which had a 240-year history in Nepal, was abolished, and Nepal was established as a Federal Democratic Republic. 

Remembering the contribution made by Koirala for the establishment of peace in Nepal, the Nepali Congress and its affiliated and well-wishing organizations are observing Koirala's 16th death anniversary today by organizing various programs.