42nd Memorial Day of BP Koirala Celebrated Nationwide

Today marks the 42nd Memorial Day of BP Koirala, Nepal’s first elected Prime Minister, with various programs being organized across the country to honor his legacy. Born on Bhadra 24, 1971 BS, Koirala passed away on Saun 6, 2039 BS. As the founder of the Nepali Congress, BP Koirala was a staunch advocate for the principles of nationalism, democracy, and socialism, and was a leading figure in the national reconciliation movement.

BP Koirala became the first elected Prime Minister of Nepal in Jestha 2016 following the parliamentary elections of 2015. In addition to his political achievements, he made significant contributions to Nepali literature, pioneering psychological realism in the field. His notable works include “Tin Ghumti,” “Modi Ain,” “Hitler and Jew,” “Sumnima,” and “Narendradai,” among others.

During his tenure as Prime Minister, Koirala initiated land reform programs, including the abolition of the birta system and the principle that the tillers should own the land. On 1st Poush 2017, after the popularly elected government was overthrown by the then King, Koirala and other leaders were imprisoned in Singha Darbar, later being transferred to Sundarijal jail.

Released for health reasons in 2025 BS, Koirala lived in exile in India for eight years. Realizing the detrimental effects of his exile on nationalism, he returned to Nepal on 16 Poush 2033 BS with a policy of national unity and reconciliation.

The Sundarijal Prison, where Koirala and other leaders were held, has since been transformed into the BP Museum. This museum houses a collection of significant artifacts from BP’s life, including the tanker used in the 2007 revolution and the Nepal Airlines Corporation plane hijacked by the Congress to fund the 2029 revolution.

On BP Memorial Day, the Nepali Congress, its sister organizations, and the BP Museum Management Committee are organizing a variety of programs, said Krishna Prasad Paudel, Chief Secretary of the NC Office. Additionally, the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation is holding a program to distribute the BP Koirala National Award at the Prime Minister’s Residence in Baluwatar later today.