KATHMANDU: Nepali Congress leader Dr. Shekhar Koirala has urged the government to withdraw the Rs 20 million allocated for the restoration and conservation of the historic Koirala residence in Biratnagar.
In a letter addressed to the ministry secretary on August 5, Dr. Koirala thanked the government for allocating the amount through the fiscal year 2026/27 budget for the restoration of the birthplace of Bishweshwar Prasad Koirala, located at Koshi Hospital Chowk in Biratnagar Metropolitan City-7.
However, he said he could not morally accept the allocation, arguing that a resource-constrained state should prioritize improving the living standards of citizens facing hardship and deprivation.
Recalling last year’s arson attack on the Koirala residence during the Gen-Z movement on September 9, 2025, Dr. Koirala said the century-old building, originally built by Krishna Prasad Koirala, was physically destroyed.
He described the residence as more than just a house, calling it a historic centre of Nepal’s democratic movement, political awakening and social transformation.
According to Dr. Koirala, the campaign for social change initiated by Krishna Prasad Koirala through educational reform evolved into a national democratic movement under the leadership of B.P. Koirala, with the dedication and support of the entire Koirala family.
He said the Koirala residence remains a symbol of the Nepali people’s trust, confidence and collective democratic consciousness.
In the letter, Dr. Koirala noted that B.P. Koirala had devoted his life to ensuring the basic needs of ordinary Nepalis, and argued that directing state resources toward improving citizens’ livelihoods would be the most meaningful tribute to his legacy.
He urged the government to reallocate the Rs 20 million earmarked for the restoration of the Koirala residence to other urgent public welfare priorities.
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