KATHMANDU: In Nepal, few figures have captured the public’s imagination with as much controversy and transformation as Durga Prasai. A decade ago, he was relatively unknown outside his base in Jhapa. But in the first week of July 2018, a single photograph catapulted him into national consciousness. The image, originally taken earlier that year, depicted a lunch hosted by Prasai at his B&C Hospital. Sharing a table with him were Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli and Maoist Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal (Prachanda), at the time considered a prime minister-in-waiting.

Over the past six years, Durga Prasai has navigated a dramatic political evolution. Once a Maoist, he aligned with the Nepal Communist Party after its split, joined the revived Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist–Leninist). His close ties with Chairman KP Sharma Oli propelled him to a central committee position. Today, Prasai stands as a prominent figure within the royalist movement, highlighting his shifting allegiances and ambitious maneuvering in politics.

He is an enigma—an anarchist, populist, rightist, or royalist, depending on who you ask. Durga Prasai is a man who has defied political labels and crossed ideological boundaries, becoming a figure that Nepal’s political scene cannot ignore. Whether you love him or hate him, one thing is undeniable: his presence is impossible to overlook.

In the traditional corridors of power, Prasai may not yet dominate the headlines, but on social media, he is a force to be reckoned with. His unrelenting criticisms of the political establishment, delivered with fiery speeches and provocative rhetoric, have made him a household name across platforms like YouTube. His blunt, unfiltered style has earned him a massive following, transforming him from a fringe figure into a central player in Nepal’s royalist movement.

Prasai’s speeches and interviews stand out for their unfiltered, combative tone, setting him apart from the typical political discourse. Leading the “Nation, Nationality, Religion-Culture, and Citizen Rescue Campaign,” he has made no secret of his intentions to upend the current regime. Prasai has openly threatened to overthrow the existing government, vowing to restore the monarchy and reinstate Nepal as a Hindu Kingdom, a stance that has stirred controversy and further solidified his divisive reputation.

Even two year before no one take Durga Prasai serious, as he came from Maosit background, Nepal communist party, UML to turn into firebrand royalist populists.  Since 2023, He has been frequently active in political movement leading social and political campaigns in all state and now most popular face of royalist camp and make shadow to other traditional royalist leaders.

On March 27, 2025, a surprise announcement by the Joint People’s Movement Committee (JPMC) for the Restoration of Monarchy sent shockwaves through Nepal’s royalist political landscape. The committee, led by 86-year former Panchyat leader Navaraj Suvedi, assigned the title of “Public Commander” to the polarizing and ambitious figure of Durga Prasai.

Prasai has been rallying monarchist sentiments through street protests for the past two years, earning him a grassroots following that has grown exponentially. His fiery rhetoric and bold mobilization tactics have placed him at the center of Nepal’s revived royalist movement, outshining veteran leaders like RPP Chairman Rajendra Lingden,  and Kamal Thapa.

The rise of Prasai, an unconventional leader with no formal political pedigree, signals a shift in the monarchy movement’s strategies. Once dismissed as a fringe element, his populist approach and relentless activism have captivated disenchanted citizens seeking an alternative to the nation’s democratic stalemate.

What remains to be seen is whether Prasai’s momentum can translate into a tangible political shift or if his ascent will rattle the establishment without consolidating real power. For now, however, Durga Prasai stands as the defiant face of a movement that refuses to fade into history.

Parsai is firebrand new royalsirs accused, fight and unfiltered speech mostly dominated in the social media and handle his own YouTuber team. Parsai first from Maosit to UML and now the front in royalists and challenged the current system and status quo.

The responsibility of public commander has been given to Durga Prasai in the newly formed JPMC for the Restoration of Monarchy,” it was stated in the royalists press meet. The royalists, scattered in various groups, are preparing for nationwide protests, but there is no unity among themselves. 86-year-old Navaraj Subedi led the The Joint People’s Movement Committee (JPMC) for the Restoration of Monarchy. Subedi was a former president of the National Panchayat, who is not active in politics for many years before decleared.

How did Durga Prasai rise to fame and national limelight, and transition from Communist politics to the Royalist Camp?

Just over a decade ago, few in Nepal had heard of Durga Prasai. Today, his name resonates across the political and social spectrum, synonymous with controversy, populism, and an unrelenting campaign to re-establish Nepal as a Hindu monarchy. His journey from being a relatively obscure businessman to a polarizing figure in national politics is as intriguing as it is contentious.

Prasai’s rise to prominence began with an innocuous yet symbolic photograph that went viral in July 2018. The image captured Prasai, a normal figure in the medical sector as the owner of B&C Hospital in Jhapa, sharing a meal of red Marsi rice with then-Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli and Pushpa Kamal Dahal (Prachanda), the leader of the CPN-Maoist. The photo, taken during negotiations for the unity of their respective parties into the now-defunct Nepal Communist Party (NCP), sparked a wave of public to political scrutiny.

The image was more than a mere snapshot; it symbolized the elite bargains in Nepal’s political corridors. As the leaders dined on a luxurious meal, Nepal’s public grappled with widespread poverty and an underfunded healthcare system. Critics labeled Prasai as the embodiment of the “medical mafia” for his business interests clashing with public welfare campaigns like Dr. Govinda K.C.’s hunger strikes.

In the years that followed, Prasai leveraged his relationships with political heavyweights, acting as a mediator in crucial negotiations. His ability to navigate political waters won him allies in both the UML and the Maoist factions, cementing his influence during the NCP’s brief existence. His primary goal, however, was clear: securing affiliation for his B&C Medical College. Despite his efforts and proximity to power, the affiliation never materialized, leaving him disillusioned.

Prasai’s fallout with UML leader K.P. Sharma Oli marked a turning point. After being denied a ticket to contest the 2022 general elections due to an alliance with the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP), Prasai distanced himself from the UML. He launched anti-establishment campaigns, tapping into public discontent and branding himself as a maverick willing to challenge Nepal’s political elite.

His campaign, “Let’s Save the Dharma, Nation, Nationalism, Culture, and Citizens,” gained traction. Prasai became a media sensation, adopting tactics reminiscent of former U.S. President Donald Trump. His combative rhetoric, unsubstantiated accusations, and provocative speeches endeared him to a section of the population while alienating others.

In February 2023, Prasai made headlines when he joined hands with former King Gyanendra Shah and Crown Prince Paras Shah to launch a campaign advocating for the restoration of the monarchy and declaring Nepal a Hindu state. The campaign, inaugurated at the Mechi Bridge in Jhapa, marked Prasai’s full pivot to the royalist camp.

The CPN-UML expelled Prasai shortly after, citing his alignment with royalist forces as grounds for his removal. Undeterred, Prasai pressed on, claiming his movement had sparked rebellion across all 77 districts of Nepal. His rallies, often marked by inflammatory speeches and mass mobilizations, baffled political observers and cemented his role as a polarizing figure.

Prasai’s rise has been fraught with legal troubles and accusations of misconduct. From charges of cybercrime and organized crime to allegations of spreading hate speech and defaming prominent businessmen, he has faced numerous court cases and even jail time. Despite these setbacks, Prasai has remained steadfast, turning each controversy into an opportunity to galvanize his supporters.

In December 2024, the Kathmandu District Court released Prasai on bail, further emboldening him. His ability to navigate legal challenges and maintain public support has made him a formidable figure in the royalist movement, outshining traditional leaders like Kamal Thapa and Rajendra Lingden.

Prasai’s political style borrows heavily from global populist movements. His speeches, often laced with claims of personal bravery and wealth, resonate with a disillusioned populace yearning for change. Critics warn of the dangers posed by his divisive rhetoric, comparing his tactics to those of Donald Trump.

His rise within the royalist camp has sidelined established leaders and disrupted traditional hierarchies. For his supporters, Prasai represents a savior poised to restore Nepal’s glory. For his detractors, he is a dangerous opportunist exploiting religious and nationalist sentiments for personal gain.

As Prasai continues to dominate social media videos, his ambitions remain unclear. Is he merely a rabble-rouser seeking relevance, or does he harbor aspirations for higher office? His ability to mobilize large crowds and sustain costly campaigns suggests he is more than a transient figure in Nepal’s political landscape.

In a nation grappling with political instability and economic challenges, Durga Prasai’s rise underscores the growing appeal of populist leaders who promise radical change. Whether he can translate his rhetoric into tangible results remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Durga Prasai is a name that will not fade from Nepal’s political discourse anytime soon.

How did Durga Prasai surprisingly rise to the role of “Public Commander”?

Durga Prasai’s ascension to the role of “Public Commander” within Nepal’s royalist movement is a tale of audacity, persistence, and calculated populism by hardline former royalist faction. Once aligned with the Maoist and CPN-UML, Prasai broke away, launching a disruptive nationwide campaign to waive microfinance loans, cooperative dues, and bank interest payments. His combative speeches and willingness to confront opponents, sometimes physically, made him both controversial and popular.

Prasai’s turning point came when he established ties with former King Gyanendra Shah, aligning his rhetoric with a push to “change the system.” Despite a reputation marred by scandals and confrontational behavior, he managed to secure the trust of former king Shah, reportedly meeting the former monarch several times to strategize his vision for Nepal’s monarchy and Hindu state.

His ability to mobilize thousands of followers, often through provocative social media campaigns, marked a new phase of royalist activism. Sustaining mass rallies over two years—a costly and logistically challenging feat—cemented his status as a figure capable of rallying the disenchanted. While many predicted his campaign would fizzle out, it instead intensified, posing a direct challenge to the political establishment, even in the Nepal’s capital, Kathmandu.

Despite legal battles, imprisonment, and allegations of anarchism, Prasai continued organizing rallies, blending populism with royalist fervor. His rise was bolstered by private donations from sympathizers who saw him as a potential savior of the monarchy. For some, Prasai became the “formidable hero” that veteran leaders like Kamal Thapa and Rajendra Lingden could never fully embody.

Yet, his provocative rhetoric—often suggesting that making Gyanendra a ceremonial king could miraculously fix the country—raises eyebrows. Critics label him a rabble-rouser, and financial institutions view him as a villain, but his followers see him as a brave disruptor.

Prasai’s unconventional journey—from being a Republican Maoist, UML leader to a royalist, from a businessman to a political agitator—has sidelined long-established royalist leaders. As the blessings of Gyanendra propelled him forward, seasoned RPP leaders like Rajendra Lingden, Pashupati Shumsher Jung Bahadur Rana, Buddhi Maan Tamang, Dhawal Shamsher Rana, Prakash Chandra Lohani and RPP Nepal Chir Kamal Thapa found themselves overshadowed, struggling to compete with Prasai’s grassroots appeal and aggressive campaign style.

For now, Durga Prasai stands as a polarizing figure—hailed by some as a hero and dismissed by others as a self-serving opportunist. His ability to pick up and drop agendas as they suit his ambitions keeps the nation guessing. The question remains: will his rise bring the monarchy closer to revival, or will it fracture the royalist movement further?

 Who is Durga Prasai? from humble beginnings to notable businessman and rising political playmaker

Prasai’s family, originally from Tehrathum in the hills of eastern Nepal, settled in the plains of Jhapa, where they led a modest life through farming. With little formal education—having studied only until the eighth grade—Prasai married young and worked at Prasai Grill Factory for a time before seeking employment in Europe. His stint abroad was brief, and he returned to Nepal, where he applied his experience from buffalo farming overseas to start his own enterprise in Birtamod.

Locals recall how Prasai began his buffalo farm by importing high-quality breeds from Haryana, India, amassing a herd of around a hundred buffaloes. He sold both milk and livestock, with his farm’s milk even reaching across the Mechi River into India. His business flourished for a while, but eventually, financial troubles surfaced. Struggling to repay bank loans and interest, Prasai’s request for additional loans was met with skepticism, and his buffalo farming business eventually collapsed.

After his business failure, Prasai, once affiliated with the Nepali Congress, sought refuge in the underground CPN Maoists. Those familiar with his journey claim that Prasai used Maoist cadres to pressure his father-in-law in a long-standing family property dispute, ultimately securing a land share for his brother-in-law. The Maoist threat proved effective, and the case, previously stalled in court, was resolved in his favor.

Prasai’s story is intriguing and mysterious, prompting questions about how he built his financial fortune. Is he from a wealthy family, or did he rise from humble beginnings? Prasai’s past has a poor background, opportunist shift, mix of legal battles, land disputes, and a rapid transformation into a wealthy businessman.

Originally from a modest farming family in Arjundhara Municipality, Jhapa, Prasai did not receive formal education beyond the eighth grade. He married into the wealthy Giri family, who operated a tea garden in Jhapa, which helped elevate his social standing. However, the road to wealth was not straightforward, as Prasai’s family faced significant challenges, including disputes over inheritance rights with his in-laws. Despite the turmoil, Prasai eventually managed to acquire a portion of the family land, which became crucial in his financial ascent.

Before the 2006 People’s Movement, Prasai lived in a small wooden house on the land now occupied by B&C Medical College. At the time, he farmed rice on land held under the names of his wife’s relatives. His fortunes took a turn after a failed attempt at buffalo farming, which had left him deeply in debt. When his buffalo business faltered, Prasai turned to politics, initially involving himself with the underground Maoist movement. In his struggle for land rights, he filed a dispute case in court, but he was unable to secure a ruling in his favor.

Through his connections with the Maoist top leaders, Prasai eventually secured land, which he then transformed into valuable property. This land in Birtamod became the foundation for B&C Medical College. He sold portions of the land for millions and expanded his influence by making land deals in Kathmandu and constructing a mansion in Bhaktapur. At the same time, he began to improve his medical business by constructing a hospital and taking out loans worth millions.

Prasai used the land inherited from his in-laws to build his empire. His rise to prominence in the medical field came through his ambitious pursuit of affiliation for his hospital, securing financial backing from various sources. Over time, his relationship with the Giri family, once strained over land disputes, became more cordial. Both his son and brother-in-law eventually became respected doctors in Jhapa, improving Prasai’s social standing.

Despite the substantial debts incurred during his rise, Prasai’s ability to secure loans for his hospital, invest in expensive medical equipment, and make significant investments in the media, including some online, youtube channel, FM, has raised questions about the true source of his wealth.

Durga Prasai, owner of B&C Medical College in Birtamod, Jhapa, has become a prominent and divisive figure in Nepal’s political landscape over the past two years. Once known primarily for his role in the medical sector, Prasai has emerged as a polarizing figure, marked by his controversial and often combative approach to politics.

Durga Prasai’s political involvement has evolved after the Maoists entered mainstream politics following the 2006 peace agreement, Prasai sought to leverage the political connections he had developed, using his financial and material resources to gain favor with key leaders. This included providing support to Maoist leaders in Jhapa during the party’s rise to power.

After the unification of UML and the Maoists, Prasai’s position grew even stronger, allowing him to become a key ally of both Prachanda and Oli. His political ambitions were made clear when he hosted both leaders in Bhaktapur, serving them rice made from Marcy rice—a gesture that cemented his political standing.

After the split of the CPN, Durga Prasai aligned himself with KP Sharma Oli, believing the former prime minister would maintain his grip on power. Prasai boldly promised to bring 500,000 new members into the UML, though many party insiders dismiss his claims as empty rhetoric. His close ties with Oli have led him to threaten the eradication of the Maoists, drawing harsh criticism from anti-Oli factions. Yet, Prasai’s path to influence is shaped not only by political alliances but also by business ventures, financial interests, and strategic maneuvering—raising further questions about the true source of his wealth and the intricate web of his political dealings. This influence earned him a seat as a central committee member, cementing his position in the party.

Despite his newfound fame now, Prasai has faced allegations of being involved in the so-called “medical mafia,” in past with critics like medical reform advocate Dr. Govinda KC suggesting his medical college should never have been granted affiliation. Prasai, however, has denied these accusations and dismissed Dr. KC’s critiques, asserting that his medical college meets all required standards for affiliation.

B&C Medical College itself has been marred by controversy, with claims that it was built through the political influence of figures like Prachanda and Oli. The institution’s name was reportedly inspired by the initials of his parents’ names. Prasai, once a Maoist sympathizer and later a member of the Nepal Communist Party, cultivated connections within the circles of both Prachanda and Oli. Following the split between the UML and the Maoist party, Prasai joined the UML, where his influence only grew.

How did Durga Prasai rise to fame and national limelight, and transition from Communist politics to the Royalist Camp?

Just over a decade ago, few in Nepal had heard of Durga Prasai. Today, his name resonates across the political and social spectrum, synonymous with controversy, populism, and an unrelenting campaign to re-establish Nepal as a Hindu monarchy. His journey from being a relatively obscure businessman to a polarizing figure in national politics is as intriguing as it is contentious.

Prasai’s rise to prominence began with an innocuous yet symbolic photograph that went viral in July 2018. The image captured Prasai, a normal figure in the medical sector as the owner of B&C Hospital in Jhapa, sharing a meal of red Marsi rice with then-Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli and Pushpa Kamal Dahal (Prachanda), the leader of the CPN-Maoist. The photo, taken during negotiations for the unity of their respective parties into the now-defunct Nepal Communist Party (NCP), sparked a wave of public to political scrutiny.

The image was more than a mere snapshot; it symbolized the elite bargains in Nepal’s political corridors. As the leaders dined on a luxurious meal, Nepal’s public grappled with widespread poverty and an underfunded healthcare system. Critics labeled Prasai as the embodiment of the “medical mafia” for his business interests clashing with public welfare campaigns like Dr. Govinda K.C.’s hunger strikes.

In the years that followed, Prasai leveraged his relationships with political heavyweights, acting as a mediator in crucial negotiations. His ability to navigate political waters won him allies in both the UML and the Maoist factions, cementing his influence during the NCP’s brief existence. His primary goal, however, was clear: securing affiliation for his B&C Medical College. Despite his efforts and proximity to power, the affiliation never materialized, leaving him disillusioned.

Prasai’s fallout with UML leader K.P. Sharma Oli marked a turning point. After being denied a ticket to contest the 2022 general elections due to an alliance with the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP), Prasai distanced himself from the UML. He launched anti-establishment campaigns, tapping into public discontent and branding himself as a maverick willing to challenge Nepal’s political elite.

His campaign, “Let’s Save the Dharma, Nation, Nationalism, Culture, and Citizens,” gained traction. Prasai became a media sensation, adopting tactics reminiscent of former U.S. President Donald Trump. His combative rhetoric, unsubstantiated accusations, and provocative speeches endeared him to a section of the population while alienating others.

In February 2023, Prasai made headlines when he joined hands with former King Gyanendra Shah and Crown Prince Paras Shah to launch a campaign advocating for the restoration of the monarchy and declaring Nepal a Hindu state. The campaign, inaugurated at the Mechi Bridge in Jhapa, marked Prasai’s full pivot to the royalist camp.

The CPN-UML expelled Prasai shortly after, citing his alignment with royalist forces as grounds for his removal. Undeterred, Prasai pressed on, claiming his movement had sparked rebellion across all 77 districts of Nepal. His rallies, often marked by inflammatory speeches and mass mobilizations, baffled political observers and cemented his role as a polarizing figure.

Prasai’s rise has been fraught with legal troubles and accusations of misconduct. From charges of cybercrime and organized crime to allegations of spreading hate speech and defaming prominent businessmen, he has faced numerous court cases and even jail time. Despite these setbacks, Prasai has remained steadfast, turning each controversy into an opportunity to galvanize his supporters.

In December 2024, Prasai was arrested on cybercrime charges, but the Kathmandu District Court later released him on bail. However, police re-arrested him on fresh charges related to organized crime and kidnapping. It further entangling him in a web of legal troubles. Despite these setbacks, Nepal’s Supreme Court saved him. In the last week of December 2024, a bench of Justices Nahakul Subedi and Saranga Subedi ordered Prasai’s immediate release. Despite all Prasai becoming a central figure in the royalist camp, drawing increased support from former monarchists and positioning himself as a leading voice in the movement to reinstate Nepal’s monarchy.

Various trouble made him a formidable figure in the royalist movement, outshining traditional leaders like Kamal Thapa and Rajendra Lingden. Prasai’s political style borrows heavily from populist movements and anger against government. His speeches, often laced with claims of personal bravery and wealth, resonate with a disillusioned populace yearning for change. Critics warn of the dangers posed by his divisive rhetoric, comparing his tactics to those of other global populist figures.

His rise within the royalist camp has sidelined established leaders and disrupted traditional hierarchies. For his supporters, Prasai represents a savior poised to restore Nepal’s glory. For his detractors, he is a dangerous opportunist exploiting religious and nationalist sentiments for personal gain.

As Prasai continues to dominate social media videos, his ambitions remain unclear. Is he merely a rabble-rouser seeking relevance, or does he harbor aspirations for higher office? His ability to mobilize large crowds and sustain costly campaigns suggests he is more than a transient figure in Nepal’s political landscape.

In a nation grappling with frustration, anger, political instability and economic challenges, Durga Prasai’s rise underscores the growing appeal of populist leaders who promise radical change. Whether he can translate his rhetoric into tangible results remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Durga Prasai is a name that will not fade from Nepal’s political discourse anytime soon.

What is Durga Prasai’s vision and the goal of his campaign?

Durga Prasai’s campaign is centered on the restoration of the monarchy and the reestablishment of Hinduism as the state religion. As a advocate for nationalism, religion, culture, and the welfare of citizens, Prasai has recently unveiled an ambitious plan to institutionalize his agenda through the formation of a civilian government.

The campaign’s core objectives include reviving the monarchy, preserving Nepal’s cultural and religious heritage, safeguarding national identity, and ensuring the well-being of its people. This marks a transformative approach to reshaping the nation’s political narrative.

At the heart of Prasai’s vision is the creation of an Institute of Monarchy, aimed at fostering peace, integrity, and unity within the nation. Inspired by Vedic Sanatan principles, this institute aspires to bridge ancient wisdom with contemporary governance, promoting a vision of Nepal deeply rooted in its historical and spiritual foundations.