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Prasai’s one-man show

The Himalayan Times
16 February 2024

Prasai’s one-man show

Durga Prasai hails from a prominent business family in Nepal. Born into a wealthy and privileged family in Jhapa district, he was exposed to the complexities of entrepreneurship from a young age. He is alleged to have defaulted on a loan worth NPR 750 million lent by Nabil Bank to establish a hospital in Jhapa. After receiving a nomination to the central committee in December 2021, Prasai was given the position of deputy head of the party's industry, trade, and supply section but was expelled from the party in February 2023 for working against the party. Previously, he found to be sympathetic to the Maoists.

The “campaign to protect nation, nationalism, religion, culture and citizens’, led by him, has been the talk of the town and his growing number of supporters are seen in the streets of the main cities. He has been holding frequent social and political campaign against the current federal structure saying it is being run by corrupt and anti-national senior political leaders whom he accuses of collaborating with big business houses, money launders, gold smugglers and land mafia, among others. The main agenda of his is the restoration of constitutional monarchy and converting the nation into a Hindu kingdom.The participation of several thousands of people in the rallies signifies the frustration and discontent brewing within the people towards the existing political structure and senior political leaders.

In the quest for a liberator from their financial hardships, people have started seeing him as a courageous hero, challenging and accusing the government for its bad governance. Most of the time, his speeches are found to be provocative and against the senior political leaders of major political parties, who have been found involved in a number of corruption scams. The Prasain-led movement seems to be gaining momentum considering Tuesday’s protest programme held in Kathmandu. Also, it is a threat to the existing political structure and to the senior leaders of the major political parties. It remains to be seen whether he will be able to achieve his mission in the days to come.

Rai Biren Bangdel
Maharajgunj

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