Revolution of 2007 B.S. and Delhi Agreement

The aristocratic Rana regime that began from 2^nd Aswin, 1903 B.S. existed for 104 years in Nepal. The lack of public consciousness was the main reason that there were no revolts against the Rana regime. But slowly with citizens becoming more conscious, there was collective resistance all over. Founded in 1988 B.S., Prachanda Gorkha was the first revolutionary group to go against Ranas. But their activities weren’t very effective. Five people formed Nepal’s first political party in Ombahal in 20^th Jestha, 1993 B.S. named “Praja Parisad Party.” The founding members were Tanka Prasad Acharya(President), Dashrath Chand(Vice-President), Ramhari Sharma(General Secretary), Dharmabhakta Mathema and Jeevraj Sharma. Four people achieved martyrdom in 1997 B.S. because of their anti-Rana propaganda.

The then King Tribhuwan also was victim of the autocratic rule. So he supported the anti-Rana activities morally as well as financially in secret. The formation of Nepali National Congress Party in 2003 B.S. and Nepal Communist Party in 2006 B.S. further supported the revolution against the Rana regime. The “Jayatu Sanskritam Andolan” started in Jestha 2004 B.S. in Sanskrit Pathshala, Teendhara by students also spread the revolutionary mentality among the general population.

Reasons for 2007 revolution

1. Injustice and economical, social, cultural exploitation by the Ranas.
2. Poverty and unemployment.
3. Internal tension among the Ranas.
4. Formation of political parties and strikes.
5. Increase in political consciousness among citizens.
6. Second World War and worldwide spreading democratic rules.

Armed Revolution and Main Events

The general assembly of Nepali Congress in 11^th-12^th Aswin, 2007 B.S. in Bairganiya declared armed resistance against the Rana regime. The revolution was announced on 21^st Kartik, 2007 B.S. In that time, King Tribhuwan also fled to Delhi in 23^rd Kartik with his family to support the revolution. The then Prime Minister Mohan Shamser crowned King Tribhuwan’s 4 year old grandson Gyanendra as the king. This led to national and international criticism of Mohan Shamser.

The political freedom faction of Nepali Congress overtook Biratnagar and surrounding areas first. Thirbam Malla and Puran Singh led the revolution in Birgunj. Thirbam Malla was killed during the protests. Dr. Kuwar Indrajeet (K.I.) Singh revolted in the wertern areas. His faction achieved a big win in Bhairahawa. BP Koirala and Subarna Shamser who led the eastern resistance captured many areas without any fighting.

The “Mukti Sena” liberated many areas from east to west and formed local governments, and announced that they wouldn’t pay taxes to the Ranas. This limited the reach of Rana regime to Kathmandu only. When the situation turned deadly, Mohan Shamser asked India to be a mediator in talks and sent his son Bijay Shamser to India as representative. The then Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru acted as the mediator and the Delhi Agreement was formed between Rana regime, Nepali Congress, and King Tribhuwan on 1^st Falgun, 2007 B.S. (12^th February, 1951 A.D.) King Tribhuwan returned to Nepal on 4^th Falgun and democracy was declared on 7^th Falgun, 2007 B.S. This was the end of the 104 year long Rana regime and beginning of democratic Nepal.

Main points of the Delhi Agreement:

1. Constitution to be introduced by the Constituent Assembly voted by the citizens.
2. Formation of an interim government with 10 members (5 from Nepali Congress and 5 from Ranas).
3. Tribhuvan shall be King of Nepal, and all rights be taken from the Ranas and given to the king.
4. All the political prisoners to be freed.
5. All arms and weapons used in the revolution to be submitted to the government and the revolution to be stopped immediately.

Dr. KI Singh was against this agreement. He didn’t want any part of the Rana regime to remain in power and wanted to banish them completely. He announced that the revolution would not stop in the western areas where he had command. He didn’t stop the revolution and disobeyed King Tribhuwan’s message to stop. He was tried for treason because of this.

The 10 member Interim Government

From the Ranas:

1. Mohan Shamser – Prime Minister
2. Babar Shamser – Defense Minister
3. Chudaraj Shamser – Forestry Minister
4. Nripjung Shamser – Education Minister
5. Yagya Bahadur Basnet – Health Minister

From Nepali Congress:

1. BP Koirala – Home Minister
2. Subarna Shamser – Finance Minister
3. Ganeshman Singh – Industry and Commerce Minister
4. Bhadrakali Mishra – Transportation Minister
5. Bharatmani Sharma - Food and Agriculture Minister