Appeal to the Countrymen (Appeal issued on the eve of returning home after 8 years of exile in India) - B. P. Koirala (December 30, 1976)
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After a long time we are returning to our motherland. On this occasion it is necessary that I should address a few words to my countrymen.

Our country is now facing a national crisis. That this crisis has been deepening in recent years is realized by all. And this is leading to a situation which would endanger the very existence of our nation. This fact is acknowledged by many others too. Right from His Majesty the King, every person has from time to time referred to this threat to our national existence. We are returning to our country with full realization of the gravity of the present situation. In our view, the main reason for the development, of this crisis is the lack of unity in the nation, because of which foreign interests have started intrigues in our country, and that has helped them in making Nepal a centre of international conspiracy. Our National unity can be established only on the basis of a united campaign and the combined efforts of all the people of Nepal. Had it been possible to attain that unity only by raising slogans, our country would not have been reduced to this deplorable plight, with its unity torn asunder in the course of the last 16 years. In our country, today, there is a preponderance of self-seeking, communalism (regionalism); in a situation such as this, nationalism is the first casualty.

Hitherto our struggle has been solely for democratic rights of the people. For that reason, we had put emphasis on democracy alone. A new dimension, however, is added to it now. Another responsibility has now fallen on the Nepali Congress. This other responsibility is to save the integrity of the country. We have to understand the present problem of Nepal from two angles Nationalism and Democracy.

All this means that the people of Nepal have a twofold responsibility achievement of Democracy and defiance of National Integrity. If, however, we consider one of the two responsibilities as our only task, we would be one sided and commit a grave blunder. And if we lay stress on the achievement of democracy alone, we may not effectively participate in resolving the national crisis. It does not merely at that point; pursuit of one sided task may lead us into the snare of international conspiracy. Similarly if we consider Nationalism as our only concern we would be led to slogan-mongering for empty nationalism of the last 16 years, and ultimately support authoritarianism. On the basis of this kind of hollow nationalism, the inner strength of the people cannot be generated for the defiance of nationalism. For these reasons we have to understand clearly that National Unity can succeed only on the base of democracy, and the democratic base can take the country to the path of economic development and a just economic order. We do therefore; consider that Nationalism, Democracy and Economic development of the country are interdependent.

From is very inception, the Nepali Congress, has from time to time taken many historic and serious decision in the interest of the country. The Revolution of 2007 (1950-5-1) was accomplished under the leadership of the Nepali Congress, and after that great event, when we found that the General Elections was being shelved for good, we took the leadership in the movement for General Elections. In that campaign we received cooperation from many other parties. When a cruel and staggering blow was dealt at democracy in 2017 (1960), the Nepali Congress launched a Resistance Movement in support of Democracy. And, now when we fine that a threat is hanging over our country, we have taken another historic decision which is in conformity with the tradition of the Nepali Congress.

In the history of each country, an hour arrives when its people stake their lives to defend the integrity and independence of their motherland. We do feel that that such an hour has come in Nepal. Our friends and well-wishers realizing the personal risk involved on our return to Nepal, advised us to refrain from taking this step. To them we say that our personal safety is of little consequence in the face of the danger threatening the very existence of our country. Hence this historic decision, in response to the directive of the party, Nepali Congress workers have gone back to Nepal, and have thus set an example of matchless courage and patriotism.

At this hour of National Crisis, let us all forget the past unpleasant quarrels, feelings and differences of opinion which must be buried in the interest of forging national unity. If the Nation dies, we all die; this realization should guide our activities and programmes. I do not know what situation I shall find myself in, on my return. Through this statement as President of the Nepali Congress, I do appeal to all my countrymen to join hands and work for the defense of the integrity of our country, for its progress and prosperity of the people with single-minded devotion. If I get an opportunity, I shall place my views before His Majesty the King. The responsibility to save the country is a task common to all.

Jaya Nepal

Citation: B. P. Koirala, "Appeal to the Countrymen", in Sushil Koirala (ed.), Democracy Indispensable for Development 137-140, (Varanasi: Sandaju Publications, 1982)

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