Bishweshwar Prasad Koirala (1914-1982), commonly known as B. P. Koirala, was a towering figure in Nepalese politics and the first democratically elected Prime Minister of Nepal. His life was marked by a steadfast commitment to democracy, social justice, and the sovereignty of Nepal. Koirala played a pivotal role in the country’s struggle against autocracy and left an indelible mark on Nepal’s political landscape.
Early Life and Education
B. P. Koirala was born on September 8, 1914, in Varanasi, India, to a politically active family. His father, Krishna Prasad Koirala, was an influential figure in Nepal’s early struggle against the oppressive Rana regime. This exposure to political activism from a young age shaped B. P.’s ideological leanings toward democracy and social justice.
Koirala completed his early education in India and pursued a law degree at Calcutta University. He began his career as a lawyer in Darjeeling, where he came into contact with Indian freedom fighters. This period profoundly influenced his political ideology, aligning him with the broader anti-colonial movements in South Asia.
Political Activism and the Fight Against the Rana Regime
Koirala’s political activism began in earnest in the 1930s when he joined the Indian National Congress and participated in the Indian freedom struggle. His involvement in the Quit India Movement and his interactions with leaders like Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru shaped his vision for a democratic Nepal. In 1947, he founded the Nepalese Democratic Congress, which later merged with the Nepali Congress, becoming the principal opposition to the Rana oligarchy in Nepal.
The turning point came in 1950 when Koirala led a mass movement against the Rana regime, demanding the establishment of democracy in Nepal. The revolution, supported by King Tribhuvan and the Nepali Congress, successfully overthrew the Rana rule, ending a 104-year-long autocracy. This movement paved the way for the establishment of a parliamentary democracy in Nepal.
First Democratic Prime Minister
Following the 1950 revolution, Nepal witnessed its first democratic elections in 1959, where the Nepali Congress, under Koirala’s leadership, won a landslide victory. On May 27, 1959, Koirala was appointed as the Prime Minister, becoming the first elected head of government in Nepal’s history.
During his tenure, Koirala initiated significant reforms aimed at modernizing Nepal’s socio-economic landscape. He emphasized land reform to redistribute land from feudal landlords to the peasantry, promoted industrial development, and sought to expand access to education and healthcare. His government also worked on drafting progressive laws to ensure civil liberties, freedom of speech, and equality.
However, Koirala’s commitment to democracy was not merely domestic; he also navigated Nepal’s foreign policy with a focus on maintaining neutrality during the Cold War, balancing relations between India, China, and Western powers.
Conflict with the Monarchy and Imprisonment
Despite his democratic mandate, Koirala’s government faced opposition from the monarchy. In December 1960, King Mahendra dismissed the government, dissolved parliament, and imprisoned Koirala along with other political leaders, accusing them of corruption and failing to maintain law and order.
Koirala spent the next eight years in prison, during which time he continued to advocate for democratic principles, writing extensively on his vision for Nepal. His writings from prison, such as “Atmabrittanta,” reflect his unwavering belief in democracy and his criticisms of autocratic rule.
Return to Politics and Reconciliation
After his release in 1968, Koirala spent years in exile in India. During this period, he continued to voice his support for multiparty democracy in Nepal. In 1976, Koirala returned to Nepal, advocating for national reconciliation between the democratic forces and the monarchy. His call for reconciliation was based on the belief that unity was essential for Nepal’s stability and progress.
In 1980, in response to growing political unrest, King Birendra announced a national referendum to decide between a reformed Panchayat system (an indirect form of governance controlled by the king) and a multiparty democracy. Although the Panchayat system won narrowly, Koirala’s push for democratic reforms kept the spirit of political pluralism alive in Nepal.
Literary Contributions
Apart from his political career, B. P. Koirala was an accomplished writer and literary figure. His novels, short stories, and essays often explored themes of human nature, societal change, and political philosophy. Works like “Sumnima,” “Narendra Dai,” and “Hitler and the Jews” are celebrated for their narrative style and insightful social commentary. Koirala’s literature reflects his deep understanding of Nepalese society and his broader concerns about humanity and freedom.
Death and Legacy
B. P. Koirala passed away on July 21, 1982, in Kathmandu, leaving behind a legacy as the father of democracy in Nepal. His life’s work laid the foundation for the democratic movements that would later re-emerge in the 1990s, ultimately leading to the end of absolute monarchy and the establishment of a republic in 2008.
Koirala is remembered not only as a political leader but also as a visionary who dared to dream of a democratic, just, and prosperous Nepal. His commitment to democratic values, social reform, and national sovereignty continues to inspire generations of Nepalese citizens.
References
- Koirala, B. P. (1983). Atmabrittanta: Late Life Recollections. Kathmandu: Sajha Prakashan. This autobiography provides insights into Koirala’s political journey, personal reflections, and his vision for Nepal.
- Whelpton, J. (2005). A History of Nepal. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. Whelpton’s work covers Nepal’s political history, including Koirala’s role in the democratic movement and his contributions as Prime Minister.
- Adhikari, R. (1999). B. P. Koirala and His Times: The Life and Legacy of a Democratic Visionary. Kathmandu: Mandala Book Point. This biography highlights Koirala’s political activism, his leadership in the 1950 revolution, and his literary contributions.
- Pradhan, R. D. (1982). Nepal in Transition: From People’s War to Fragile Peace. New Delhi: Adroit Publishers. This book discusses Nepal’s political transformations, with a focus on Koirala’s influence on the democratic movement.
- Thapa, D. B. (2004). Nepali Congress and the Democratic Movement. Kathmandu: Ratna Pustak Bhandar. This text explores the history of the Nepali Congress and its leaders, including Koirala’s critical role in shaping Nepal’s democratic path.
- Kirkpatrick, W. (1811). An Account of the Kingdom of Nepal. London: W. Miller. Although predating Koirala, this historical account provides context for the socio-political environment that shaped Koirala’s early life and activism.
- Nepali Congress Party Publications. Various articles and publications by the Nepali Congress highlight B. P. Koirala’s leadership, his government’s policies, and his enduring impact on Nepalese politics.
- Oral Histories and Interviews. Collected from family members, political associates, and contemporaries of Koirala, providing personal insights into his character, leadership style, and ideological beliefs.
