A prominent medical entrepreneur and vocal advocate for the restoration of the monarchy in Nepal, Durga Prasain, has intensified his campaign by demanding a national referendum on the country’s republican system. This demand was put forth during a meeting held at the Prime Minister’s Office in Singha Durbar, Kathmandu, with Prime Minister Sushila Karki, Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal, and other high-ranking government officials in attendance.
Prasain, a controversial figure known for his staunch pro-royalist stance, has set a deadline of December 17 for the Prime Minister to respond to his call for a referendum. He argues that the public should have the opportunity to decide on the future of the republican system, which was established in 2008 following the abolition of the Hindu monarchy.
“I proposed a referendum covering various issues, including the potential restoration of the monarchy,” Prasain informed reporters following the meeting. “The Prime Minister has assured me that she will make a decision regarding this matter by December 17.”
Further emphasizing the gravity of his demands, Prasain warned of potential unrest if his concerns are not addressed. He stated, “I have made it unequivocally clear that if these demands remain unmet, it will trigger a public revolt, effectively preventing any elections from taking place in the country.”
Prasain serves as the coordinator of the “Nation, Nationality, Religion, Culture, and Citizen Protection Mega Campaign,” an organization that has been actively organizing protests across Nepal, advocating for the reinstatement of the monarchy and the establishment of a Hindu state.
In addition to his primary demand for a referendum, Prasain submitted a comprehensive 27-point list of demands to Home Minister Aryal, encompassing a wide range of socio-economic issues. These demands include:
A complete overhaul of the current Nepalese constitution and the drafting of a new one.
The implementation of a system featuring a directly elected executive head of state, replacing the current presidential system.
The restoration of the monarchy and the establishment of a Hindu state.
During the initial stages of the discussions, Prasain reportedly offered an apology to Prime Minister Karki for previous disparaging remarks he had made against her.
Prime Minister Karki responded to Prasain’s apology by saying, “Please refrain from making unsubstantiated statements in public and avoid insulting individuals.”
According to an official present at the Prime Minister’s Secretariat, Prasain stated, “I sincerely apologize for my previous statements. I regret my actions.”
Throughout the discussion, Prasain voiced his frustration that none of the demands previously submitted by his organization had been implemented.
“Today, the Prime Minister and the Home Minister attentively listened to our demands,” Prasain acknowledged.
According to Prasain, the Prime Minister, after carefully reviewing the demands, assured him that she would provide a response by December 17.
Prasain elaborated on his rationale for demanding a referendum, stating, “The mandate of the 2006 People’s Movement did not include the adoption of federalism or secularism. It certainly did not include the abolition of the monarchy. How did these changes come about? The time has come to address this discrepancy. There will be no election, so do not anticipate one.”
He argued that the existing political system is inadequate and fails to meet the aspirations of the Nepalese people. Prasain proposed a referendum as a means of determining whether the current system is beneficial, “so that people can also create a system where their grandchildren can live well.”
“I have advocated for a referendum on all of these critical issues,” he reiterated. “If the government fails to make the right decision, there will be no election.”
The meeting between Prasain and government officials was facilitated by advocates Binodmani Bhattarai and Lawan Nyaupane.
As a gesture of goodwill, Prasain presented Prime Minister Karki with a statue of the Goddess Bhagwati Durga, saying, “I apologize for my previous public statements. I am deeply sorry. You are like a mother, like Durga. Please embody the qualities of Durga in your leadership. We are with you. We will stand in support of this government. We will stand firmly like Mount Everest in support of this government.”
In a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s private secretariat, Prasain expressed his gratitude to the government for its willingness to listen to his concerns. He also commended Home Minister Aryal for fostering an environment conducive to peaceful dialogue, enabling voices from the streets to be heard.
“Previous governments were unwilling to consider our demands, leading to unfortunate incidents. This government, at the very least, has shown a willingness to listen. We were able to present our demands directly to the Prime Minister,” Prasain noted, adding that fulfilling these demands would eliminate the need for public protests.
Prime Minister Karki affirmed that the government is actively committed to combating corruption. She acknowledged that many of the issues raised by Prasain were also central to the Gen Z movement, making it her responsibility to address them. However, she cautioned that the issue of debt waiver would require careful evaluation, taking into account the state’s financial capacity.
The statement concluded by indicating that discussions regarding the demands put forward by Prasain would continue in the days to come.
