Only With Restoration of Monarchy and Hindu State Will Elections Be Acceptable,’ Says Durga Prasai

Kathmandu —Durga Prasai, director of B&C Medical College and leader of a campaign to protect “nation, nationality, religion, culture and citizens,” has rejected the upcoming election as “anti-national,” saying it would be a waste of time unless fundamental changes are made first. He insisted that the constitution be amended, all-party talks convened, and the Hindu state and monarchy restored before any polls are held.

The Supreme Court recently ordered his release from custody after hearing his writ petition, and Prasai was freed Wednesday from the Kathmandu Police Complex following the court’s decision. He had been detained earlier this month on allegations that he could disrupt the election, amid repeated arrests over his controversial statements.

Police first arrested him on Falgun 4 over concerns that he might undermine the electoral process, and he has been detained and released several times in recent weeks.

Prasai claimed that burning state institutions such as the Supreme Court, Singha Durbar, and Parliament House had been justified to postpone the 2084 election to 2082 in the Nepali calendar — comments that have drawn sharp criticism and legal scrutiny.

He warned that if the election proceeds under the current conditions, Nepal could become “a second Ukraine,” arguing that democratic rights to speak out must be upheld.