KATHMANDU: Medical entrepreneur and pro-monarchy campaigner Durga Prasai has claimed that foreign influence in Nepal increased after the abolition of the monarchy, describing the election scheduled for Falgun 21 as a “trap” for the country and its people.

Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, Prasai said Nepal was once internationally recognized as the land of Pashupatinath, Mount Everest, Goddess Durga, and the birthplace of Vedic civilization during the monarchy. He accused the current political leadership of dividing society and putting personal interests above national interests.

Prasai also alleged that leaders involved in violent incidents in the past had later been endorsed by the public and elevated to power, while criticizing the country’s current political direction.

He further claimed that Nepal’s problems began after the first meeting of the Constituent Assembly removed the monarchy and declared the country secular through the Interim Constitution. According to Prasai, foreign powers had limited influence in Nepal while the monarchy remained in place.

Referring to the election scheduled for Falgun 21, Prasai described it as a “trap” for Nepal and Nepalis and appealed to the Nepali Army, Nepal Police, Armed Police Force, and civil servants, claiming the country’s future was at risk.

Prasai also blamed the Prime Minister and the Home Minister for the recent incident in Sunsari and questioned the mobilization of the Nepali Army. He alleged that army deployment requires a Cabinet decision and the President’s approval, claiming the procedure had not been properly followed.