Prime Minister of India - Dr. Manmohan Singh

PM condoles the passing away of Koirala, former PM of Nepal

The Prime Minister has condoled the passing away of the former Prime Minister of Nepal Shri G.P. Koirala. In a condolence message to the departed leader's daughter Ms. Sujata Koirala the Prime Minister described Shri G.P. Koirala as one of Nepal's tallest leaders and an elder statesman of South Asia.

The text of the Prime Minister's condolence message is as follows:

"It is with deep sadness that I learnt of the passing away of Shri G. P. Koirala. Shri Koirala was one of Nepal's tallest leaders and an elder statesman of South Asia. Beginning with his days in the trade union movement, Shri Koirala spent his entire political life championing the cause of the people. He was first and foremost a democrat and his long struggle to usher in democracy in Nepal reached a successful conclusion when he became the first democratically elected Prime Minister of Nepal in 1991. He subsequently guided the destiny of the people of Nepal for a further three terms as Prime Minister. Shri Koirala was a mass leader and a statesman, whose knowledge and wisdom guided the polity of Nepal in the right direction at critical junctures in the country's history. The passing away of Shri Koirala marks the end of an era in Nepalese politics. Shri Koirala had an enlightened vision of India-Nepal relations and worked sincerely to bring the people of the two countries closer together. I have personally had a long association with Shri Koirala and have benefited immensely from his wise counsel and advice not only on issues affecting our bilateral ties but also on matters affecting South Asia as a whole.

I convey my deepest sympathies and condolences to his family, friends and followers."