Bishweshwar Prasad Koirala: Great leader of the Nepali Democratic Movement

Introduction

Bishweshwar Prasad Koirala (BP Koirala) is a notable leader of the Nepali democratic movement. He also served as the former Home Minister of Nepal and was Nepal’s first elected Prime Minister. His political ideology was moderate socialism, commonly called BP’s socialism in Nepal. BP Koirala’s influence extends beyond just the Nepali democratic movement; he also actively participated in the Indian freedom struggle and spent time in prison. In addition to his political work, BP Koirala is recognized as a renowned writer and litterateur. Thus, in honor of one of Nepal’s prominent political figures who possessed diverse talents, Biograph Nepal presents: A Biography of the esteemed leader Bishweshwar Prasad Koirala.

Quick Facts

• Full Name: Bishweshwar Prasad Koirala
• Birthplace: Varanasi, India (Originally from Nepal)
• Birthdate: September 8, 1914
• Died: July 21, 1982 (aged 67)
• Profession: Politician, Writer, Philosopher, Democratic Socialist
• Political Affiliation: Founder of the Nepali Congress Party
• Major Influence: Democracy, Socialism, Nationalism
• Notable Works: Modiain, Tin Ghumti, Sumnima, Hitler ra Yahudi
• Notable Positions:
  • Prime Minister of Nepal (1959-1960) (First democratically elected PM)
  • Home Minister of Rana-Parties joint government in 1951
  • Revolutionary Leader against the Rana and Panchayat regimes

Early life

Bishweshwar Prasad Koirala was born on September 8, 1914, in Varanasi, India, into a prominent Nepali family with a history of political activism. His father’s name was Krishna Prasad Koirala, and his mother’s was Divya Kumari. The Koirala family’s ancestral home was Dumja in the Sindhuli district of Nepal.

Because of his opposition to the harsh Rana regime in Nepal, BP Koirala’s father, Krishna Prasad Koirala, was forced to exile his entire family to India by the Ranas. The Koirala family naturally developed a sense of rebellion and political change. BP Koirala, who grew up in this environment, was also deeply influenced by the ideas of democracy and socialism from a young age.

BP Koirala is known as Bishweshwor Prasad Koirala in the literary field, Sandai in the family or party, and BP Koirala in politics. He is referred to as the second son of Krishna Prasad Koirala, although he is somewhere noted as the third son. In Nepali, Sandai can refer to either the third son or the youngest (Sanu Dai or Sandai).

Additionally, it is mentioned that BP Koirala was taken to India by his father at the age of 3, although it is also frequently stated that he was born in India. Biograph Nepal encourages readers to share any complete facts in the comments if they have clear information regarding these uncertainties.

Record of three brothers as prime ministers from the same family in Nepal

There is a legacy of three brothers from the same family who became prime ministers in Nepal. Out of the five sons of father Krishna Prasad Koirala and mothers Divya Kumari and Mohan Kumari, three personalities, Matrika Prasad Koirala, Bishweshwor Prasad Koirala, and Girija Prasad Koirala, became Prime Ministers of Nepal.

Accordingly, the first elected Prime minister of Nepal, BP Koirala, is the younger brother of former Prime Minister Matrika Prasad Koirala and the elder brother of Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala. The next section, “Family Background,” will explain detailed information about his family.

Education

BP Koirala grew up in Banaras, so his early education was also there. His father was an educationist and social worker who worked for the development of education in India. BP studied under his father’s care until the age of 14 in the school he founded. Then, he joined Harishchandra School in the city to study in higher classes.

At that time, or until 14 August 1947, India was a British colony. In 1930, the British Raj accused him and his elder brother Matrika Prasad Koirala of having contacts with terrorists, and they were arrested and released only after three months.

Since the state was unsafe and his studies were deteriorating, his father sent Bishweshwar to study at the Scottish Church College in Calcutta. But BP Koirala, attracted to politics, left college and returned to Banaras towards the end of 1930. At his father’s insistence, he went to Calcutta to study again. Thus, amidst various ups and downs, he completed his bachelor’s degree in economics and politics from Banaras Hindu University in 1934.

However, BP Koirala, who had a brilliant mind, was not satisfied with this study. In 1937, he obtained a law degree from Calcutta University and acquired the ability to become a lawyer. Showing this ability to study law, BP Koirala also worked as a legal practitioner in Darjeeling for a few years.

BP Koirala’s political journey in India

While trying to do good work for the people in Nepal, the Koirala family, which was forced to spend its life in exile as a target of the Rana regime, had developed a sense of political rebellion and struggle from an early age. On the one hand, BP Koirala wanted to end the autocratic Rana rule in Nepal and establish democracy, while on the other hand, he wanted to see India. In this neighboring country, he and his family had immigrated, also freed from British colonialism.

Involvement in the Indian Independence Movement

When BP Koirala was young, or in his 30s and 40s, the anti-British colonial movement in India was developing at an extreme level. Therefore, BP got the opportunity to practice and experience politics, movements, and rebellion well.

BP Koirala became involved in the Indian nationalist movement while he was still a student. In 1934, he joined the Indian National Congress. During World War II, he was interned by the British in Dhanbad for two years (1942-1944).

BP Koirala was close to the high-level leadership of the Indian independence movement. There, he closely observed leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, and Subhash Chandra Bose and evaluated their philosophies. These experiences deeply influenced his philosophy of democratic socialism and provided him with important experience for establishing democracy in Nepal and preparing for it.

Thus, BP Koirala has played an important role in the freedom struggle there to achieve Indian political objectives. Therefore, he is also seen as a respected political figure in India.

Involvement in Nepali democratic Movement

BP Koirala’s political activism began in India, shaping his democratic ideals. However, his main focus remained on Nepal’s liberation from the Rana rule. In 1947, he formed the Nepali National Congress, which later merged with other democratic groups to become the Nepali Congress (NC) in 1950.

Biratnagar Jute Mill Workers’ Strike and BP Arrested in Nepal

The Biratnagar Jute Mill Strike (Labor Strike) of 1947 is considered an influential and important political event and labor movement in the history of Nepal. This strike initially started between the mill workers and the management over the issue of labor rights. However, this strike gradually became a nationwide anti-Rana regime or democratic movement.

However, the strike was not led by BP. At that time, BP’s brothers Tarini Koirala and Girija and other leaders like Manmohan Adhikari and Yubaraj Adhikari were working in the Biratnagar Jute Mill. They called for a strike and also called BP Koirala and Indian communist leader Ratnalal Brahmin for their support.

This demonstration and strike began on 4 March 1947 and lasted for about three weeks. The then Nepali Congress Party and others supported the strike in Biratnagar. On March 9, Bishweshwor Prasad Koirala joined the strike with his supporters.

After about three weeks of regular strikes, sit-ins, and processions, the Rana rulers sent 250 soldiers to Biratnagar to suppress the strike. They began arresting the leaders in a big way. To avoid arrest, some leaders fled to India.

Six National Congress leaders arrested

However, the army arrested six National Congress leaders (Bishweshwor Prasad Koirala, Girija Prasad Koirala, Tarini Prasad Koirala, Gehendrahari Sharma, Manmohan Adhikari, and Yubaraj Adhikari). It took them to Kathmandu on foot for several days.

After the army had taken the main leaders prisoner, the Biratnagar Jute Mill movement was crushed, and the strike ended.

Political prisoners, including BP Koirala, who were arrested during the labor movement, were held in a bungalow in Kathmandu. However, they were released after five months, in August 1947, following a 27-day hunger strike, public protests, and pressure from Indian leaders, including Mahatma Gandhi.

On the other hand, the then Nepali Congress organized a conference in Jogbani, India, and resolved to launch a nationwide Satyagraha, or civil disobedience movement. This led to nationwide anti-Rana protests.

The Rise of the Nepali Congress in Nepal: BP Koirala, First party President

The Nepali Congress Party was established by merging the Nepali National Congress and the Nepal Democratic Congress. The Nepali National Congress was founded on 25 January 1946 in Calcutta, India, by BP Koirala, and the Nepal Democratic Congress was founded on 4 August 1948 in Calcutta by Subarna Shumsher Rana.

On 10 April 1950, the two parties merged to form the new united party, named the Nepali Congress, and BP Koirala became its first president. Therefore, BP Koirala is also the founding president of the Nepali Congress Party. After the birth of the unified Nepali Congress (NC), the party president also announced that the Nepali Congress would cease operating in India and only remain in Nepal.

Armed Rebellion of Nepali Congress and the Role of BP Koirala

After India became independent, there was widespread public awareness and a political wave in Nepal against the Rana or in favor of democracy. In this context, the then nominal King Tribhuvan also played a role in favor of the people to end the Rana rule in Nepal. For this, he decided to leave his two and a half year old grandson Gyanendra Shah with his grandparents in Nepal and take refuge in India along with the entire royal family. However, the Ranas ruled by keeping the same child, Gyanendra, on the throne.

The king did this mainly for two reasons. First, when the king himself left the country, the Rana rulers could feel that the country was in a very chaotic state. Second, since the situation in Nepal was serious, India and the international world could easily pressure the Ranas to establish democracy. Seeing both these political advantages, King Tribhuvan took refuge in the Indian embassy on 6 November 1950.

On the other hand, at this time, when the country was in extreme turmoil, the Nepali Congress planned to seize the main territories of Nepal and imprison the Rana ruler within Kathmandu by launching an armed attack. For this, the Congress leaders settled in India and prepared to form a liberation army.

At that time, the Second World War was ending, and they prepared for an armed attack by using the Nepali army, which had experienced wars in Malaya and Burma. They also tried to collect weapons from India.

Leaders, including Matrika Koirala, Bishweshwor Prasad Koirala, and Suvarna Shamsher Rana, gathered in Purnia, Bihar, to prepare for the attack. They called the commanders stationed in various places inside Nepal to the Indian border to prepare for an armed attack.

Declared First People government after armed rebellion

On 11 November 1950, Birgunj was attacked at midnight. And on 12 November, the Nepali Congress captured the Birgunj area and declared the first “people’s government”.

After successfully capturing Birgunj, the main border crossing connecting the capital Kathmandu with India, the party and the army’s morale increased, and they embarked on a campaign to capture the hilly areas of Nepal. This People’s Liberation Army, which continued to advance in this way, succeeded in controlling most of the eastern hills of Nepal and the city of Tansen in Palpa.

Thus, the armed campaign of the Nepali Congress and the strong and courageous leadership of BP Koirala shook the foundation of the Rana rulers in Nepal. Finally, they were forced to become flexible, and it seems that the country has reached a point of establishing democracy.

BP Koirala’s active role in ending the Rana regime

In this context, the pressure on the Indian government to establish democracy in Nepal also intensified. As a result, the Ranas were forced to become frustrated and flexible after all Nepal’s economic and business supporters, including India, became anti-Rana rule.

India supported King Tribhuvan and immediately pressured the Ranas to reinstate him to the throne of Nepal. As a result, the Rana rulers agreed to India’s terms. Finally, King Tribhuvan returned to the throne, replacing King Gyanendra.

On the other hand, the nationwide revolution of the Nepali Congress and other political parties led by BP Koirala peaked. Due to this, most of the country, except Kathmandu, was beyond the Ranas’ control. Therefore, they could no longer maintain the family monarchy in Nepal.

Finally, the Rana government fulfilled their demands. 18 February 1951 is a historic day or the day to celebrate Democracy Day in Nepal. It was the day that ended the 104-year-old Rana rule of Nepal, for which the then leaders, including BP Koirala, played a big role.

But apart from that, the great sacrifice of the four martyrs of Nepal, Dashrath Chand, Dharmabhakta, Shukraraj, and Gangalal, cannot be forgotten. The Ranas had earlier hanged them on the charge of being fighters for democracy. Those great martyrs have become immortal in the history of this country.

Formation of the first interim government, BP Koirala as Home Minister

Then, a Rana-parties coalition cabinet was formed in Nepal, in which BP Koirala served as Home Minister for nine months. However, due to some disputes, BP also resigned from this government. This government, which the Rana Prime Minister led, collapsed, and the last Rana Prime Minister was dismissed in October 1951.

After that, BP Koirala focused on developing Nepal’s political structure and strengthening democracy. In Nepal’s history, the country prepared to draft a constitution from 1951 to 1958 after the Rana regime’s fall.

Five governments were formed in the eight years from the fall of the Rana government to the parliamentary election 1959. Three of these five governments were led by the Nepali Congress. Prime Minister Matrika Prasad Koirala, a commoner, led the government from 1951 to 1952 and from 1953 to 1955; after that, Suvarna Shamsher Rana led the government from 1958 to 1959.

In the meantime, an interim constitution was also drafted. However, even in this short period, stability was not established in the country. Time was wasted in the struggle between various parties and the king and the struggle for political power. Nevertheless, in February 1959, the first parliamentary elections were held in Nepal, a historic achievement for establishing democracy.

First Parliamentary General Election and BP Koirala First Elected Prime Minister

In the history of Nepal, the first democratic general election was held in February 1959. In this election, the Nepali Congress won 74 out of 109 seats in the parliament, or two-thirds of the votes. After this victory of the Nepali Congress, which had become very popular then, Bishweshwar Prasad Koirala became Nepal’s first democratically elected Prime Minister on May 27, 1959.

As Prime Minister, in a short period, he introduced progressive policies, including:

• Land reforms to reduce feudal oppression
• Expansion of education and healthcare
• Strengthening Nepal’s independent foreign policy
• He led his country’s delegation to the United Nations and raised Nepal’s profile in the international community by visiting China and India.

Dissolution of the elected government, establishment of an autocratic Panchayat monarchy by the king: BP Koirala arrested

The then-King, Mahendra, could not tolerate a situation in which parties dominated Nepal or the Nepali Congress became popular, weakening his power. For this reason, he dissolved the elected parliament and the Council of Ministers without completing the two-year trial period of the elected government. In 1960, he established an autocratic monarchy called the Panchayat system in Nepal.

The government led by BP Koirala had initiated some democratic reforms in Nepal and ran campaigns in favor of the poor people in Nepal. Due to this, some of Nepal’s wealthy feudal classes also opposed this government and came to support the Panchayat monarchy.

After the royal coup led by King Mahendra on 15 December 1960, BP Koirala, Rana, General Secretary Hora Prasad Joshi, and many other party leaders were imprisoned, and some were forced into exile. Many leaders sought political asylum in India.

During the Panchayat period, political parties were banned from 1960 to 1989. The party ban was further tightened with the Unions and Organizations Act of 1963, making everyone except supporters of the Panchayat monarchy liable to punishment.

The King Imprisoned BP Koirala for 8 Years Without Charge or Trial

On December 15, 1960, King Mahendra suspended the democratic constitution, dissolved the parliament, dismissed the council of ministers, and imposed a direct autocratic regime known as the Panchayati Raj. To consolidate his power, he imprisoned BP Koirala and his closest government colleagues. Most of them were released after a few months, but BP Koirala remained in custody.

During this time, BP Koirala developed throat cancer. However, the Panchayati Raj saw an advantage in keeping BP in prison. They held BP Koirala without charge or trial until 1968, for about 8 years.

BP Koirala again in self-exile in India for 8 years

Thus, the leader, BP Koirala, who was imprisoned for 8 years without any crime by the Panchayat monarchy, was released in 1968. Then-Prime Minister Surya Bahadur Thapa is said to have also helped to release him. However, it is also said that BP was released from prison only on the condition that he would be exiled to India.

Thus, after King Mahendra took power in a coup, Nepal’s political parties were forced to go into exile in India because they were not in a position to stay in Nepal and could be arrested or hanged at any time.
Considering this security situation, BP Koirala also spent about 8 years in self-exile in India until 1976.

BP’s return to Nepal and detention

After King Mahendra’s death in Nepal, his eldest son, King Birendra, was declared the King of Nepal in 1972. Since King Birendra had traveled to many countries, was well-educated, and had extensive knowledge about politics, Nepali parties had hoped that he would provide more support to the democratic movement of Nepal after becoming king.

As expected, King Birendra was a more liberal king than Mahendra. Still, he could not immediately end the Panchayat monarchy and declare a republic because the Panchayat rulers had established strong roots in Nepal.

In this context, BP Koirala also returned to Nepal in 1976, seeing that he would achieve no political achievements by staying abroad all the time. But BP Koirala was arrested as soon as he returned to Nepal and was again placed under heavy guard at his home in Chabahil. He remained under house arrest under military guard for a few years. But outside, on the streets, people were struggling against the Panchayat system nationwide.

Not only that, they were accused of preparing an armed rebellion in Nepal and were even charged with capital punishment. However, there was no evidence to substantiate all these charges, so within 2 years, all the charges were dropped.

National Reconciliation Policy and the 1980 Referendum

After returning to Nepal from exile in India, leader BP Koirala called on all forces, including the King, Peoples, and Parties, to find a suitable political path together. This is politically called BP’s reconciliation policy.

Perhaps accepting this policy, King Birendra announced a referendum in 1980. In this referendum, the people were requested to vote on the reformed Panchayat or multi-party system. However, the reformed Panchayat won by a narrow margin, and the Panchayat system remained intact in Nepal.

BP Koirala accepted the results of this referendum, saying that he would accept the people’s decision. However, due to other disagreements, the Nepali Congress Party boycotted the general elections for the reformed Panchayat system held in 1981.

BP Koirala’s last treatment attempt and tragic death

Despite all his political activism and prison life, BP Koirala had had cancer for a long time. His political busyness did not allow him to get good treatment in time. But his colleagues also say that his ability to overcome the disease for many years without treatment, despite having throat cancer, was also the result of his strong mentality.

In 1981, he was allowed to go to the United States for medical treatment. However, BP’s health condition was becoming very complicated by then. The Nepalese government covered part of the cost of his treatment in the United States, while his nephew Shail Upadhyay, Dr. Shukdev Shah, family, and friends arranged the rest.

After some treatment, BP returned to Nepal from the United States. By this time, he could no longer speak clearly, and his health was getting weaker. However, BP Koirala’s popularity among the people increased even more. Wherever he went, thousands of people would gather.

He addressed the largest public meeting in Nepal at that time, in January 1982, at Ratna Park in Kathmandu, regardless of his health. However, his voice was somewhat slurred by then. Perhaps this was his last big meeting. After that, on July 21, 1982, the great leader BP Koirala, the commander of Nepal’s democratic movement, died in Kathmandu. It is said that an estimated five hundred thousand people attended his funeral.

BP Koirala as a Literary Figure

Apart from politics, BP Koirala was a talented writer and philosopher. His literary works have been found to analyze various social issues in Nepal.

Even today, his works are admired at the center of Nepali literature. His novels, short stories, and essays are very famous, of which the following are considered noteworthy:

Social realism (Tin Ghumti, Modiyan)

Psychological depth (Hitler and Yahudi)

Nepali history and culture (Sumnima, Babu Aama Ra Chora)

Human emotions and existential dilemmas (Narendra Dai)

His books are considered equally excellent in the literary field outside Nepal. Many of his works were written during his prison life, reflecting his deep introspection on politics, society, and life.

Family Life Of BP Koirala

To be continued…

BP Koirala as a moderate socialist thinker

To be continued…

Legacy and Influence

BP Koirala’s contributions to Nepali politics, democracy, and literature are unparalleled. His vision of socialist democracy and his belief in national unity continue to inspire generations.

His Nepali Congress Party eventually played a key role in ending the Panchayat system in 1990 and establishing democracy in Nepal—a cause for which he had fought all his life.

• Even today, BP Koirala is remembered as:
• The pioneer of democracy in Nepal
• A philosopher of socialism and nationalism
• literary genius
• A martyr of political ideals

His dream of a democratic, prosperous, and inclusive Nepal remains a guiding force for modern Nepalese politics.

Summary

BP Koirala was not an ordinary person. He was one of those people from Nepal who was imprisoned for many years in Nepal and India, but he never gave up. Regardless of his physical condition, he never tired of his political goals and the struggle for the people’s liberation.

Biograph Nepal pays heartfelt tribute to BP Koirala, a revolutionary commander of democracy who fought day and night for the democratic movement of the people of both countries throughout his life.

We always strive for factual accuracy and fairness in each biography. Despite this, if you see something that doesn’t look right, please let us know here; we are ready to correct it with your appreciation.