Nepal Commemorates 15th Memorial Day of Former Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala

Nepal is marking the 15th Memorial Day of former Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala, honoring his significant contributions to the country’s political transformation and peace process. Various programs are being organized across the nation to pay tribute to the late leader.

Koirala played a pivotal role in bringing armed insurgents into the mainstream of peaceful politics, helping to end a decade-long armed conflict in the country. He led key democratic movements, particularly after then-King Gyanendra Shah began appointing prime ministers of his choice, bypassing the people’s elected Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba on October 4, 2002.

Koirala’s leadership became even more prominent when King Gyanendra, on February 1, 2005, assumed the role of Chairman of the Council of Ministers, effectively banning political parties. In response, Koirala united the major political forces, leading a decisive movement that compelled King Gyanendra to reinstate the dissolved House of Representatives on April 24, 2006.

Following the restoration of the House, Koirala was appointed prime minister for the fourth time. Under his leadership, the parliament moved swiftly to curtail the monarchy’s powers, reducing the king to a ceremonial role. A major achievement of his tenure was the management of arms and the integration of the Maoist People’s Liberation Army, a crucial step toward long-term peace.

Koirala also realized the long-held dream of Nepali Congress founder BP Koirala by conducting the Constituent Assembly election on April 10, 2008, more than six decades after it was envisioned. Although the first Constituent Assembly could not promulgate a new constitution, it marked a historic moment, enabling the former Maoist insurgents to participate in democratic politics.

A four-time prime minister, Koirala also served as the acting head of state after King Gyanendra was suspended. His leadership culminated in the historic declaration of Nepal as a federal democratic republic on May 28, 2008, ending the 240-year-old Shah dynasty’s monarchy.

Koirala passed away on March 20, 2010, but his legacy continues to shape Nepal’s political landscape. Today, the Nepali Congress, its affiliated organizations, and supporters are organizing events to commemorate his contributions to peace and democracy. The GP Koirala Foundation also hosted a program in his memory in the capital, reflecting on his enduring influence and leadership.