Resham Chaudhary quits NUP, announces new party (video)

KATHMANDU: Resham Chaudhary, the patron of the Nagrik Unmukti Party (NUP), has announced the formation of a new political party, Nagrik Unmukti Party Nepal.

In a video message, Chaudhary declared his separation from NUP, proposing “Pahichan” (Identity) as the election symbol of his new party.

Sharing the ups and downs of his political journey, Chaudhary remarked that the current political landscape is dominated by jealousy and vengeance.

Recalling the 2015 Tikapur incident, he reiterated that he was not guilty but was forced to endure imprisonment, while his home was torched as an act of political revenge. He honored the eight people who lost their lives during the incident, noting that he had already built a statue of Tek Bahadur and planned to build monuments for others in the future.

Chaudhary expressed anger over irregularities in the government’s compensation process, claiming that while he suffered damages of only Rs 50,000, some received as much as Rs 15 million in the name of losses. He criticized the lack of political wisdom in today’s leadership, which he said has fueled lawlessness in society.

He demanded a thorough investigation and legal action against those responsible for burning down the Supreme Court and Singha Durbar, as well as destroying public and private property. He expressed hope that such probes would move forward under the leadership of former Chief Justice Sushila Karki. He further called for the publication of the Lal Commission report, changes in federal restructuring and demarcation, and judicial decisions on the cases filed against him.

Reflecting on his personal journey, Chaudhary said he began working as a laborer in Kathmandu at the age of 15, starting with a minor role at Radio Nepal and later establishing three radio stations. He emphasized that his earnings have always been the result of hard work in music and media, not from any illicit source.

Chaudhary revealed that within NUP, he was not even regarded as an ordinary member and had no legal standing in the party. Despite paying house rent for some leaders for three and a half years and selling his personal property to support election campaigns, he said he received no recognition. “I don’t want to fight anymore. From disputes over 21 members to 16 members and founding central committee members, I want to free myself from this endless bickering,” he stated.

He dismissed those who labeled him a “fraud” or “liar” and accused “national deceivers” of exploiting past movements. He vowed that there would be no compromise with such elements in the future.

Declaring that the Tikapur movement is still alive in the hearts of the people, Chaudhary compared it to “fire hidden under ashes.” He stressed the need for unity among citizens to safeguard Nepal’s identity, traditions, geography, and culture within a federal and community-based socialist framework.

He announced plans to soon convene a meeting with honest NUP leaders, founding central members, and elected representatives to chart the way forward for his new party.

“I have always spoken the truth and done what is right,” Chaudhary concluded in his video message, pledging to lead a fresh campaign for building a new Nepal.