Deuba says republic would not have been possible without ‘Girijababu’

Kathmandu – Sher Bahadur Deuba, the President of the Nepali Congress, has remarked that without Girija Prasad Koirala, Nepal would not have transitioned to a federal republic.

He made these comments on Saturday while addressing a program held in Kathmandu to commemorate the birth anniversary of the late Girija Prasad Koirala.

Reflecting on Koirala’s legacy as a formidable leader, Deuba stated that achieving a republic would have been unimaginable without his presence. He emphasized that the primary credit for establishing the republic in Nepal should be attributed to Girija Prasad Koirala.

Deuba commented, “Girijababu was a very determined individual. Without his leadership, the path to a republic would not have been possible. He was daring and courageous. It was his bravery that made achieving a republic conceivable. Despite the first constitutional assembly not finalizing a constitution, we introduced the republic on its very first day. In truth, the honor for bringing about the republic belongs to Girija Prasad.”

He also recounted the struggles between himself and Koirala, noting that after being expelled from the party he formed a new one. Deuba recalled an incident where he had remarked that “Girija and then King Gyanendra are the same” after losing the Prime Ministership and being ousted from the party, indicating a period of bitter relations.

He elaborated, “There was indeed a conflict between late Girijababu and myself, which is well known. He removed me from the party, prompting me to start another one. That’s why I once said that the king snatched my position, and I equated Girija and Gyanendra because one ousted me from the party, while the other took away my Prime Ministerial post. The king then formed a royal commission and jailed me. I challenged it bravely, rejecting the royal commission, and took the matter to court where I eventually won. Girijababu later visited me in jail, and we worked together within the party.”