Surya Bahadur Thapa - 1980s

1980s

In May 1980 the improved Panchayat system came into effect with the introduction of adult franchise in electing the representatives, election of the Prime Minister by the elected members of the National Assembly. These were introduced in the improved constitution of the Panchayat system.

In 1981, election of the above was followed. Thapa was again democratically elected under the improved election system from the Dhankuta district. Mr. Thapa, was then elected Prime-Minister for next 5 years.

In 1983, the local, district and union election was completed under the improved election system. During the period the nation embarked into sustain ability of the development works and consolidated development programs such as Kulekhani Power System, Marshyangdi Hydro Power and Devi Ghat Hydro Power. Besides, the Arun III was studied and a blue print of the power generation was also drafted. The Teaching Hospital, Nepal Television Network, National Panchayat Building was also designed and built with regard to constitution.

In 1983, the government was toppled Thapa was ousted from the Prime-Ministership.

Between 1983-1990, Thapa made piquant remark on the National Politics of Nepal, the character of the system and urged the people to be characteristic, disciplined yet firm to restructure the national development of the country. Thapa bitterly criticized those adverse political forces and gangsters who wanted to doom the fate of the nation by misguiding people and central level authorities. He urged the people to condemn such activities in order to strengthen the political and economic development process in the country.

Thapa's statements were quoted on many leading national newspapers. There was an attempt to assassinate one of the editors (Padam Thakurathi) who widely covered Mr. Thapa's views.

The editor was shot and lost an eye. An attempt was made to assassinate Mr. Thapa while traveling through Jhallari, West Nepal where he was protected by the local people to save his life. (This incident is known as Jhallari-Kanda).

In 1985, the nation faced the Bomb-Scandal. Surya Bahadur Thapa was charged for the bomb explosion. The explosion of the bomb in Rastriya Panchyat Building led to death of one parliament member and caused damages to the building. Mr.Thapa's house was ransacked by the police but the government could not prove the charges.