Kathmandu — Durga Prasai, patron of the Citizens’ Rescue Campaign, has warned of a potential “people’s revolt” if the government fails to address his demands. The warning came after a meeting with interim Prime Minister Sushila Karki at Singha Durbar on Monday evening.
Speaking to the media after the meeting, Prasai said he had clearly presented his demands to the prime minister, claiming they were directly related to the livelihoods and well-being of Nepali citizens. He expressed that failure to fulfill these demands could trigger an uprising “beyond anyone’s imagination.”
According to sources, both sides have agreed to hold a second round of talks on Poush 2. Prasai made a point-by-point presentation of his demands, after which Prime Minister Karki responded.
During the discussion, Prasai said he would fully support the government if his demands were met. The government, however, has requested additional time to study the proposals in detail.
Prasai reiterated his longstanding position that the mandate of the 2006–07 People’s Movement did not include federalism or secularism, and demanded a national referendum on these issues. He also claimed that the government-announced February 21 House of Representatives election would not be held on time.
Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal, Chief Adviser Ajay Bhadra Khanal, Public Relations Adviser Govinda Narayan Timilsina, and Chief Secretary Suman Raj Aryal were present in the meeting. Advocates Vinod Mani Bhattarai and Lavan Nyaupane facilitated the discussions.
In a symbolic gesture, Prasai presented Prime Minister Karki with a statue of Goddess Bhagwati Durga, offering an apology for earlier remarks made in public. “You are like a mother, like Durga. Please work by embodying her strength. We will fully stand behind this government,” Prasai said, likening his support to “the immovable strength of Mount Everest.”
Prasai thanked the government for being willing to listen, contrasting it with what he called the indifference of previous administrations. He praised Home Minister Aryal for helping create an environment where the “voice of the streets” could be heard through peaceful dialogue.
“If our demands are fulfilled, there will be happiness across the country and no one will need to protest on the streets,” he claimed.
Prime Minister Karki stated that her administration was committed to addressing irregularities and corruption. She acknowledged that some of Prasai’s demands were also raised during the Jenji Movement and said it was the government’s responsibility to consider them. However, regarding the demand for loan waivers, she noted that the state must carefully assess its financial capacity before making any decisions.
