Krishna Prasad Bhattarai
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Krishna Prasad Bhattarai(Nepali: कृष्ण प्रसाद भट्टराई) (born 1924) is one of the most popular Nepali political leader. He has been the President of Nepali Congress for nearly 30 years from February 12, 1976 to May 11, 1996. He is credited for leading and organizing two Democratic Movements of Nepal. 1
He has twice been the Prime Minister of Nepal, one heading the Interim Government during 1990, and then as elected Prime Minister from June 29,1999.
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[edit] Political and Social Transformer
Mr Bhattarai has led a long struggle to modernize the Nepalese political system. Moreover, he has embarked on a mission to transform a society that was isolated for centuries from the outside world. Some people may criticise him for being outspoken and faintheartedness. But is there any leader who has produced any better results for Nepal?2
[edit] First Democratic Movement of Nepal
He started politics to end the 104 year rule of Rana Dynasty during which he was one of the key leader of Nepali Congress.
He was one of the main Commander of Armed Revolution to overthrow Rana Regime, which was decided by Bairgania Conference of Nepali Congress on 26-27 September 1950 (Ashwin 10-11, 2007 B S). This armed revolution of Nepali Congress was supported by King Tribhuvan, who was in exile, as well as by Indian Socialists and Burmese Socialists.
Mr. Krishna Prasad Bhattarai led the armed revolutionaries which was able to capture the first major Nepali town from the rule of Ranas. This armed revolution ultimately brought end to 104 year old rule of Rana Dynasty on February 18, 1951 (Falgun 7, 2007 B S). This day is celebrated as Democracy Day of Nepal and is a public holiday in Nepal.
He was nominated as Acting President of Nepali Congress on February 12, 1976 (Falgun 1, 2025 BS).
He held this post for more than 25 years during which he played many crucial roles to lead the democratic movement in Nepal.
He was elected as President of Nepali Congress by Eight National Conference of Nepali Congress held in January 1992 (Falgun 2049 B S).
[edit] Interim Government after Democratic Movement of 1990s
He was the Prime Minister of the Interim Government after the successful movement of 1990 which brought democracy to the country. The Democratic Movement (Jana Andolan) brought an end to 30 year old Panchayati Regime, and and end to absolute monarchy in Nepal.
Mr Bhattarai transformed the country from Absolute Monarchy to Multiparty Democracy without any major problems. He drafted the Constitution of Nepal and held the first multiparty election in 30 years. On retrospect, looking at the current difficulty in Nepal, he should definitely be credited for peaceful transformation of the country from absolute monarchy to multiparty democracy and in holding the election in a peaceful and impartial manner.
[edit] Role in Democratic Movement
Krishna Prasad Bhattarai had the most crucial role in success of bringing democracy in Nepal, in both Democratic Movement as he was the President of Nepali Congress, and was responsible for keeping the flame of democratic movement alive during the 30 year old absolute monarchy in the country.
He was commander of Mukti Sena, and fought against Ranas to end their dynasty.
Mr Bhattarai was prisoned for more than 10 years during his struggle for democracy in Nepal.
He has served as Prime Minister two times, from 1990 to 1991 and from May 1999 to March 2000. He was also foreign minister from 1990 to 1991 and briefly during 1999. He is a founding member and former president of the Nepali Congress Party, and is known for his long intraparty rivalry with Girija Prasad Koirala.
[edit] Young Days
During his young days, Mr Bhattarai was a journalist. He was also one of the first foreign journalist to interview General Secretary of the Communist Party of then USSR.
At the young age of 36 he served as the speaker of the house of representatives during 1960 era before the military rule by then King Mahendra. Mr K.P. Bhattarai is a popular politician among the Nepalese people. He always remembered by the people for his clean image and his contribution to bring the written constitution of Nepal, 1990. This constitution is the one in Nepalese history having constitutional monarchy and multi party democracy. Moreover, life long bachelor Mr. Bhattarai is outspoken as well as very diplomatic politician of Nepal.
[edit] Party Politics
Both factions of Nepali Congress, Nepali Congress led by Girija Prasad Koirala and Nepali Congress (Democratic) led by Sher Bahadur Deuba claim him to be their political leader. He is closer to Nepali Congress (Democratic) and in the past have expressed his support for Nepali Congress (Democratic). Both congress parties have elected him as Maha Samiti Member (General Convention Member) from Lalitpur District.
[edit] References
1. Website of Nepali Congress Partyt. Available from http://www.nepalicongress.org/files/introduction.php. [accessed 1 April 2007]
2. Paudel K. Symbol of Simplicity. Spotlight: Kathmandu, Nepal. Available from http://www.nepalnews.com/contents/englishweekly/spotlight/2002/jun/jun14/national2.htm [accessed 1 April 2007]
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