KATHMANDU — Durga Prasai, coordinator of the Campaign for Nation, Nationality, Religion, Culture, and Citizen Protection, has pledged to reform himself and correct his past mistakes. Speaking at an interaction with chief editors in Kathmandu on Sunday, Prasai said, “Durga Prasai will reform himself — I seek your cooperation in this process.”
Prasai Says He Is Not a Rebel but a Reformer
Addressing criticism that he has acted like a rebel, Prasai clarified, “At present, I may appear to be on the rebellious side of the nation, but I am not a rebel. My demands are legitimate, and my intentions are not wrong.”
He said his outspoken remarks in the past were made in the national interest. “People tell me, ‘Durga, you talk too much; you’ve gone off track.’ But now, I won’t speak unnecessarily,” he remarked.
Prasai stressed the need to create an environment that encourages Nepalis living abroad to return home. “We must build conditions that inspire Nepalis working overseas to come back and contribute to their own country,” he said.
Referring to the GenZ Movement held on September 8 and 9, Prasai expressed dissatisfaction at not being allowed to participate. “I said I wanted to join the GenZ protest, but I wasn’t permitted,” he revealed.
However, he thanked Kathmandu Mayor Balen Shah, saying, “I must thank Balenji — he saved me. Otherwise, I might have ended up in jail that day.” Prasai alleged that during the protests, fires broke out at Singha Durbar and the Supreme Court but fire trucks arrived late. “Balen’s municipal police didn’t send the fire engines — instead, they gave water to those who started the fire,” he said sarcastically.
Questions on Political System and Past Involvement
Prasai questioned the decision to abolish Nepal’s monarchy and its status as a Hindu nation. “Why was the monarchy removed? Why was Nepal declared secular? These questions still remain unanswered,” he said.
Reflecting on his political involvement, Prasai said, “I joined the Maoist movement in 2000 (2057 BS) and supported Prachanda for 20 years.” He added that he played a role in bringing together former Prime Ministers KP Sharma Oli and Pushpa Kamal Dahal (Prachanda).
“In 2018 (Fagun 2074), I hosted both Oli and Prachanda at my home and served them Marsy rice, hoping their parties would unite. My only desire was to see my B&C Hospital receive academic affiliation,” he said with a smile.
According to Prasai, despite mediating between the two leaders, his medical college did not receive affiliation. “When politics failed, I turned to the judiciary — and ultimately, the Supreme Court granted the affiliation,” he stated.
Clarification on Financial Allegations
Prasai denied allegations that he had failed to pay bank interest. “I have been regularly paying interest on my loans,” he said. He added that his high electricity consumption is fully paid. “I pay my electricity dues on time. That’s why the government even honored me,” he added.
