KATHMANDU: Former Prime Minister and Nepali Communist Party Coordinator Madhav Kumar Nepal has expressed strong dissatisfaction with the government, alleging that he has been denied security and other state facilities provided to other former prime ministers. He said he may consider leaving the country if the state fails to ensure his security.

In an interview with journalist Binod Dhungel, Nepal claimed he had been treated unfairly compared to other former prime ministers.

He said former prime ministers from other parties had been provided with government vehicles and related facilities, while he had received none.

“I have my own self-respect,” Nepal said. “Other former prime ministers, including opposition leaders, have been given government vehicles. Was I given one? If I had been offered, I would have accepted it. But I did not go asking for it.”

On the issue of security, Nepal said it was the government’s responsibility—not his—to provide protection if required by law.

“If the law says I should be provided security, then it is the government’s duty to provide it. Why should I go asking for security?” he said. “If I don’t get security in this country, I will think about going abroad.”

He added that if he could not feel secure in Kathmandu, he would first consider moving to his home district of Rautahat or another part of Nepal before ultimately leaving the country if nowhere proved safe.

“If Kathmandu isn’t safe, I’ll go to Rautahat. If Rautahat isn’t safe, I’ll look elsewhere in the country. If nowhere in Nepal is safe, then I’ll go abroad,” he said.

When asked whether it would be better to seek protection from his own government rather than leave the country, Nepal insisted that doing so would compromise his self-respect.

“Why should I plead with the government? Is there anything greater than self-respect?” he responded.

He further said that if the government continued to ignore and disrespect him, he would have to consider other options rather than remain in a situation where he felt neglected.

During the interview, Nepal also remarked that confronting criminals would require forming his own group, before laughing and appearing to soften the comment. His remarks have since drawn public attention and sparked debate on social media.