BP Koirala’s 111th birth anniversary being marked today

September 9, Kathmandu: Today, the 111th birth anniversary of BP Koirala, the first elected Prime Minister of Nepal, is being celebrated with various events across the country. Born on Bhadra 24, 1971 BS, Koirala `played a significant role in establishing democracy in Nepal. He led the establishment of the Nepali National Congress in 2003 BS while in exile in India, contributing to the end of the autocratic Rana regime. Following the success of the 2007 revolution, he became the first elected Prime Minister. During his tenure, he introduced progressive land reforms and abolished the land tenure system to ensure that land belonged to the tiller.

On Poush 1, 2017 BS, the popularly elected government was overthrown, leading to Koirala’s imprisonment. After his release for medical treatment in 2025, he lived in exile in India for eight years before returning to Nepal with a policy of national unity and reconciliation. His policy led to a referendum on the choice between a multi-party system or a reformed Panchayat system three years later. Despite allegations of fraud, the democrats lost the referendum, which Koirala accepted. He passed away on Saun 6, 2039 BS due to throat cancer.

In addition to his political contributions, Koirala is a popular figure in Nepali literature, with over 18 creations to his credit, including novels like ‘Tin Ghumti’, ‘Modi Ain’, ‘Hitler and Jew’, and ‘Sumnima’, as well as two collections of stories: ‘Shwet Bhairavi’ and ‘Doshi Chashma’. The Sundarijal Prison, where the Prime Minister, Speaker of the Parliament, and Ministers of the first elected government were imprisoned, now serves as the BP Museum, housing various collections depicting the life and contributions of the late leader.

On the occasion of BP Jayanti, the Nepali Congress, its sister and well-wishing organizations, and the BP Museum are scheduled to host a variety of programs to commemorate the life and contributions of the late BP Koirala.