Two Lines in RPP About Durga Prasai’s Movement

Medical practitioner Durga Prasain has launched a movement in the Kathmandu, operating under the banner of ‘civil liberation.’ This initiative aims to alleviate the financial burdens faced by individuals across the country by advocating for the complete waiver of loans below 2 million rupees.

Prasain’s campaign has attracted attention, particularly as he himself grapples with a substantial debt of over five and a half billion rupees, owed to eight banks. Struggling to meet his loan obligations, Prasain has taken to the streets, mobilizing individuals with compelling slogans to join his cause.

Beyond the call for debt forgiveness, Prasain has outlined a comprehensive agenda, focusing on the protection of the nation, nationality, religion, and culture. His goals include combating issues such as smuggling, mafia activities, and corruption. Additionally, Prasain advocates for the reestablishment of a monarchy.

Notably, Prasain’s emphasis on monarchy and religion aligns with the longstanding agenda of the Rashtriya Prajatantra Party (RPP), the fifth-largest party in Parliament. However, internal debate within the RPP has surfaced regarding whether to endorse or oppose Prasain’s campaign. Concerns have been raised within the party that Prasain may co-opt the monarchy agenda for his movement.

Leaders Prakash Chandra Lohani and Rabindra Mishra, during official RPP meetings, expressed support for Prasain’s program scheduled for November 23. However, the party has not issued an official decision on the matter. In the absence of an official stance, leader Lohani took to Facebook to share his personal support.

Dr. Lohani said, “The sympathy and support of the RPP workers come naturally in any public campaign carried out by anyone according to the guidelines and agenda passed by the RPP unity convention.”

Senior Vice Chair Mishra echoed his endorsement for Prasain’s campaign on various social media platforms, including Facebook and Twitter.

Furthermore, RPP Member of Parliament and spokesperson Gyanendra Shahi participated in Prasain’s movement today.

While some RPP leaders expressed support for Prasain’s movement through social media, differences of opinion have emerged within the party.

RPP President Rajendra Lingden has notably chosen not to publicly endorse Prasai’s movement. Reports indicate that Lingden holds reservations about Prasai’s campaign, citing a lack of a clearly defined agenda for the monarchy’s restoration. Lingden publicly questioned the notion that a bank fraud could serve as a catalyst for reinstating the monarchy.

On November 9, Lingden visited Nirmal Niwas, engaging in discussions with former king Gyanendra Shah about Prasai’s program, the unveiling of a statue of Prithvi Narayan Shah in Jhapa, and other pertinent issues. Lingden subsequently briefed the party about the meeting and departed for Jhapa on November 11, interpreting Gyanendra’s greater interest in the Jhapa program over Prasai’s initiative. As of now, Lingden is situated in the Koshi province.