History Of Nepal -1 (2007-2017)

History of Nepal's Democracy

The Farewell at the Airport

• A photo taken at an Indian airport shows King Tribhuvan and Crown Prince Mahendra being bid farewell by Indian leaders, marking a significant moment just before democracy was established in Nepal on Falgun 4, 2007 B.S.

Evolution of Gaucharan Airport

• King Tribhuvan and his family were to land at Gaucharan airport, now known as Tribhuvan International Airport. Initially a grazing ground for cows, it underwent several expansions over time.

End of the Rana Regime

• On February 1951 (7th Falgun, 2007 B.S.), King Tribhuvan declared the end of the Rana regime, leading to the establishment of democracy in Nepal. This marked a pivotal change in Nepal's political landscape.

Historical Challenges Post-Democracy

• Since establishing democracy in 2007 B.S., Nepal has faced numerous challenges including:

• The first elected government.

• A King's coup bomb attack.

• The only plane hijack incident.

• Civil unrest and wars.

Political Turmoil Over Seven Decades

• The period following the establishment of democracy has been characterized by political instability and dramatic events such as:

• Blockades and natural disasters like earthquakes.

• The rise of various political factions vying for power.

The Anti-Rana Movement

Historical Context Before Democracy

• Prior to democracy in 2007 B.S., Nepal endured a lengthy Rana regime lasting over a century. Key events leading to its decline included increasing anti-Rana sentiments fueled by public awareness.

Formation of Political Organizations

• In B.S. 1988, 'Prachanda Gorkha' was established as an early anti-Rana organization. However, it faced suppression from the Ranas who arrested its members.

Emergence of Political Parties

• In response to injustices under Rana rule, Tank Prasad Acharya founded the Nepal Praja Parishad in 1993 aimed at awakening public consciousness and advocating for democratic reforms.

Martyrdom and Resistance

Execution of Martyrs

• Four key figures—Shukraraj Shastri, Gangalal Shrestha, Dharma Bhakta Mathema, and Dasharath Chand—were executed by the Ranas in an attempt to suppress dissent; they are honored as martyrs today.

Support from Royalty

• King Tribhuvan supported anti-Rana movements financially but faced increased surveillance from Ranas who feared his influence among dissidents.

Public Movements Against Oppression

Rise of Student Activism

• Following oppressive policies like declaring Sanskrit a dead language, students initiated movements such as "Jayantu Sanskritam" in protest against Rana tyranny around B.S. 2004.

Intensification of Anti-Rana Activities

• By B.S. 2006, with the formation of Nepali Congress and Nepal Communist Party, organized resistance against Rana rule intensified significantly leading up to armed revolts against their governance.

The Armed Revolution

Factors Leading to Revolts

• Widespread poverty and unemployment motivated participation in revolutionary activities alongside internal conflicts within the Rana regime that weakened their control over opposition forces.

The Escape of King Tribhuvan and the Rise of Gyanendra

The Intriguing Escape to Delhi

• Erika played a crucial role in assisting King Tribhuvan and his family escape to Delhi, an event likened to a cinematic narrative.

• During this escape, King Tribhuvan's four-year-old grandson, Gyanendra Shah, was left behind with relatives and could not join them.

Gyanendra's Unexpected Kingship

• Following the family's flight, Mohan Shamsher declared young Gyanendra as king despite his age.

• This early declaration marked a significant historical moment as Gyanendra would later become king again after the 2058 royal massacre.

The Anti-Rana Movement

• After reaching India, the Nepali Congress and royal family united to challenge the Rana regime.

• The Mukti Sena captured areas like Eastern Hills and Biratnagar without conflict under leaders such as Thirbam Mall and Dr. K. I. Singh.

Growing Domestic and International Support

• The anti-Rana sentiment gained momentum both domestically and internationally, particularly from support in Delhi.

• Prime Minister Mohan Shumsher faced increasing isolation due to internal disputes within his family amidst rising public dissent.

The Delhi Agreement

• On Falgun 1, 2007 BS, the Delhi Agreement was brokered by Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru involving Ranas, Nepali Congress representatives, and King Tribhuvan.

• Key outcomes included transferring powers from the Prime Minister to King Tribhuvan who would serve as a constitutional monarch while ensuring disarmament of protestors.

Establishment of Democracy in Nepal

Transition from Rana Rule

• Following the agreement on Falgun 4, King Tribhuvan returned to Nepal amid grand celebrations marking the end of Rana rule three days later on Falgun 7.

• A cabinet was initially proposed with equal representation from both Nepali Congress and Ranas but later adjusted to ten ministers (five from each side).

Political Tensions Within Government

• Disagreements between opposing factions led to resignations; Congress ministers stepped down on Kartik 8, 2008 BS advocating for single-party governance.

• Subsequently pressured by political instability, Mohan Shamsher also resigned leading to a new cabinet formation under Matrika Prasad Koirala.

Challenges in Governance

• Despite forming a government tasked with conducting elections by 2009 BS, internal conflicts hindered progress resulting in Koirala’s resignation.

• Matrika Prasad Koirala's departure led him to establish a new party called Rastriya Praja Party after rebelling against Congress leadership.

Continued Struggles for Power

Return of Leadership Under King Tribhuvan

• After failing to conduct elections during his previous term as PM, Koirala regained power following party formation amidst ongoing political turmoil.

Controversies Surrounding Governance

• His administration faced criticism over issues like foreign military presence due to Bhim Dutta Pant’s rebellion linked with controversies surrounding agreements like Koshi Agreement.

Final Days of King Tribhuvan

Escape and Political Turmoil in Nepal

The Escape of KI Singh

• KI Singh, along with his supporters, was arrested and imprisoned in Bhairawa Jail but managed to escape. He was later recaptured and held at Singha Durbar.

• On Magh 08, 2008, his supporters orchestrated a well-planned attack on Singha Durbar, successfully freeing him from imprisonment and allowing him to flee to Tibet.

Return and Short-lived Government

• After King Tribhuvan's death, King Mahendra brought back KI Singh from Tibet and appointed him as Prime Minister. However, this government lasted only three months before being dismissed by Mahendra.

• Following the dismissal of KI Singh's government, another government led by Nepali Congress leader Subarna Shumsher was formed. This period saw the promulgation of the "Constitution of Nepal 2015" on Falgun 1, 2015.

Historic General Elections

• From Falgun 7, 2015 to Baishakh 21, 2016, Nepal conducted its first historic general elections across 109 constituencies where Nepali Congress won in 74 constituencies.

• B.P. Koirala became the first democratically elected Prime Minister of Nepal after these elections. His popularity grew significantly during this time.

Power Struggles Between Koirala and Mahendra

• As B.P. Koirala's popularity increased, King Mahendra’s began to decline leading to power struggles between them over governance.

• On Paush 1, 2017 (known as Black Day), King Mahendra suspended parliament and banned political parties initiating a non-partisan system.

Transition Towards Democracy

• Between 2007 and 2017 marked a transitional phase for Nepal post-Rana regime with nine leadership changes amidst minor instabilities.

• Significant developments included the establishment of Tribhuvan University in 2016 and diplomatic relations with various nations alongside nationalization efforts.

Authoritarian Rule Under King Mahendra

• After imprisoning the people's prime minister B.P. Koirala, King Mahendra took full control establishing the Panchayat System post-BS 2017 Poush 1.