From Prachanda’s Inner Circle to a Royalist Firebrand: The Unfolding Journey of Durga Prasai

Published on Wed, 09 Apr 2025 05:43 AM - Nepal Aaja

KATHMANDU – Once a confidant of Maoist chief Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’, Durga Prasai has now become one of the loudest voices calling for the return of Nepal’s monarchy. His political trajectory — from an underground Maoist supporter to a fugitive royalist agitator — paints a dramatic picture of betrayal, power struggles, and ideological U-turns that has now thrown the Nepali government into disarray.

Rise Through the Revolution

Born in 1971 in Terhathum and raised in Jhapa, Prasai’s humble beginnings and financial struggles pushed him into politics early. Initially associated with the Nepali Congress, he soon went underground with the Maoists during the civil war. Known for transporting armed Maoist rebels hidden in milk vans and offering logistical support, he became a trusted figure in the revolution — deeply connected to Prachanda himself.

By 2017, his influence had grown to the point where he hosted a dinner attended by both Prachanda and then-PM KP Sharma Oli, helping bridge factions during crucial coalition talks.

Betrayal and Break from UML

Things began to sour when his private medical institution, B&C Medical College, got mired in controversy and his aspirations for a parliamentary seat were denied. This perceived betrayal by the Maoist and UML leadership drove Prasai away from mainstream leftist politics. He was expelled from the UML in 2022.

By 2023, Prasai had publicly turned against the very foundation of Nepal’s new political order — attacking federalism, secularism, and the republic itself.

Reinvented as a Royalist Commander

Prasai soon emerged as a powerful monarchist figure. Citing betrayal by Prachanda and systemic failure by political parties, he claimed:

“The king never looted this country. The politicians did. We want the king back.”

On March 28, 2025, under his banner ‘People’s Movement for Nation, Nationality, Religion and Culture’, he led a massive royalist rally in Kathmandu that descended into violence. Police barricades were breached, offices vandalized, and two civilians lost their lives.

By the next morning, Prasai had vanished. His SUV was later found abandoned in Jhapa, close to the Indian border. Authorities believe he crossed into India, and his current whereabouts remain unknown.

From Hiding, the Movement Grows

Despite being in hiding, reportedly in India, Prasai continues to release videos on social media — challenging the government, warning of conspiracies against him, and calling for mass mobilization.

“Even a lion takes a step back before pouncing,” he declared in one of his videos filmed near a temple.

He also alleged an assassination plot, claiming PM Oli ordered a "shoot-on-sight" directive. “I had to retreat for safety. I apologize if the security forces were harmed — but this was not hostility,” he said in another video.

Legal Controversies and Public Sentiment

Prasai’s past is marred by legal troubles. In December 2024, Nepal Police’s Central Investigation Bureau began probing him for allegedly paying Rs 500,000 to hire criminals to threaten his business rivals — reportedly using the name of Indian gangster Lawrence Bishnoi. Prasai denies the charges, calling them “politically motivated.”

Yet his popularity seems undeterred. Thousands continue to support him online and on the streets. Even the traditional royalist party, Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP), appears overshadowed by his charisma.

A Threat to the Republic?

Both Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and opposition leader Prachanda have distanced themselves from Prasai, with the latter warning in parliament that Nepal’s republican system is under “coordinated attack.” Dozens of Prasai’s aides have been arrested, and a red corner notice is reportedly being prepared.

Despite this, disillusioned citizens — worn down by 14 governments in 17 years, rising unemployment, a failing healthcare system, and rampant corruption — find resonance in Prasai’s populist rhetoric.

Timeline: Durga Prasai’s Political Shift

Early 2000s: Underground Maoist supporter, logistics handler, ally of Prachanda.
2017: Bridge figure between Prachanda and Oli; hosts joint political dinner.
2022: Expelled from UML after ticket denial and medical college controversy.
Early 2023: Starts anti-federalism and anti-secularism campaign.
Late 2023 – 2024: Emerges as vocal royalist leader.
March 28, 2025: Leads violent pro-monarchy rally; goes underground.
April 2025: Broadcasting from hiding; faces sedition and criminal conspiracy allegations.

Conclusion

Durga Prasai’s transformation from a Maoist loyalist to royalist figurehead captures the volatile undercurrents in Nepal’s politics today. Whether his movement will be a passing wave or a revolutionary force remains to be seen. But one thing is clear — for both the government and traditional royalist circles, Durga Prasai has become a formidable wildcard.