Statesman · Journalist · Founding Leader

Krishna Prasad Bhattarai

13 December 1924 — 4 March 2011

Twice prime minister of Nepal, Bhattarai spent a lifetime pulling his country from absolute monarchy toward multi-party democracy — first with an underground rifle in Gorkha, later with a gavel in a parliament he helped build.

Sant Neta Kishunji

A Legacy of Leadership & Integrity

Photo Time Line

Poltics & Personal Life

1950

Commands the Congress Mukti Sena in Gorkha

As the Nepali Congress launched its armed campaign against the Rana autocracy following the Bairgania Conference, Bhattarai led fighters in Gorkha district. The revolt ended 104 years of Rana rule on 18 February 1951 — now marked annually as Democracy Day.

1959

First Speaker of the House of Representatives

After Nepal's first parliamentary election, 36-year-old Bhattarai was named Speaker — notably without holding an elected seat. The post lasted until the royal coup of December 1960 dissolved parliament.

1960–1968

Eight Years in Detention Without Trial

Following the royal coup, Bhattarai was held at the Sundarijal Military Detention Camp for eight years — the price of his unwavering commitment to the democratic movement.

1976–1996

President of the Nepali Congress

Nominated by B. P. Koirala as officiating president, Bhattarai steered the party for two decades through its long struggle against the Panchayat system, formally winning election to the post in 1992.

1990–1991

Prime Minister of the Interim Government

Following the 1990 Jana Andolan, Bhattarai served as interim prime minister, overseeing the promulgation of the 1990 constitution and delivering Nepal's first multi-party election in three decades.

Join Our Movement

सदस्यता प्राप्त गर्नुहोस्

सन्त नेता कृष्णप्रसाद भट्टराई केन्द्रको आदर्श, निष्ठा र लोकतान्त्रिक मूल्यमान्यतालाई प्रवर्धन गर्न हामीसँग जोडिनुहोस्।

सदस्य बन्नुहोस्

"The soldier who fought to end the Rana dynasty later refused a bank account."

— He governed twice, then went home to an ashram.

Origins & Lineage

Born in Exile, Raised Toward Resistance

Great-Grandfather

Gajadhar Bhattarai

Courtier to the Shah dynasty, exiled to Varanasi for opposing Jung Bahadur Rana.

Grandfather

Biswanath Bhattarai

Taken into exile at age twelve alongside Queen Rajya Lakshmi Devi.

Father

Sankata Prasad Bhattarai

Born in Varanasi exile, later an active voice against Rana rule.

The Ascetic Leader

Principles & Personal Life

Marriage & Family

Remained unmarried his entire life and had no children.

Finances

Maintained no bank account of his own throughout his leadership.

Residence

Lived in a simple government-provided ashram rather than a private estate.

Public Title

Widely and affectionately known across the country as Kishunji.