Prachanda Owes Existence to Monarchy: Bista

Kathmandu: Keshar Bahadur Bista, Chairman of Rastriya Shakti Nepal and a former Panchayat-era leader, has stated that Prachanda owes existence to monarchy. Speaking at a gathering organized by Rastriya Prajatantra Nepal in Bhrikutimandap, Kathmandu, on Monday, Bista urged Maoist Centre Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal “Prachanda” to reflect on his historical roots.

“If there had been no king, there would be no Prachanda today,” Bista said. He added, “Unlike Prachanda, the king did not go around killing people wherever he pleased.” His comments underline the role of the monarchy in shaping Nepal’s political history.

Criticism of Army’s Role During Civil War
Bista also criticized the Nepalese Army, claiming it missed multiple opportunities to capture Prachanda. “The army would strike the house an hour after Prachanda left,” he alleged. “It happened repeatedly. Either the army missed by mistake or it allowed him to escape. That’s why Prachanda is still alive today.”

Bista concluded by challenging Prachanda to reflect on how he survived those turbulent times, implying that his survival owed much to fortunate circumstances rather than strategy alone.

For more details on Nepal’s political history and civil war, see our coverage of the Maoist Centre and Nepal Army operations. You can also read historical perspectives on the Nepal monarchy and the civil war in Nepal