Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: Nepali Congress (NC) leader Dr Shekhar Koirala has returned Rs 20 million allocated by the government for the repair and reconstruction of the historic Koirala residence in Biratnagar.
In a letter addressed to the Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Koirala thanked the government for allocating Rs 20 million to preserve the birthplace of Nepal’s first democratically elected prime minister and a symbol of civic consciousness, BP Koirala.
However, he said he was morally unable to accept the amount, citing the country’s limited resources, widespread poverty and the need to prioritize the basic needs of ordinary citizens facing various hardships.
The century-old Koirala residence, located at Koshi Hospital Chowk in Biratnagar-7, was set on fire during the Gen Z protest in September 2025.
“The house built by Krishna Prasad Koirala has been established as an important center of Nepal’s political and social awakening,” Koirala said
Stating that late BP Koirala dedicated his life to the cause of villages, the poor and farmers, he said spending the state’s limited resources on uplifting disadvantaged citizens would be the truest tribute to BP Koirala. “This will also be the most appropriate way to do justice to the Koirala residence,” he added.
