Kathmandu, November 10, 2026: The 112th birth anniversary of Ganesh Man Singh, the Supreme Commander of the 1990 People's Movement (2046 BS) for the restoration of democracy in Nepal, is being observed today with various commemorative programmes.
Both groups of the Nepali Congress, its sister and well-wisher organisations, and the Ganesh Man Singh Study Foundation are organising programmes to mark the occasion.
Remembered for his sacrifice and courage in Nepali politics, Singh earned widespread respect for his commitment to democratic principles. Following the success of the 1990 People's Movement, then King Birendra offered him the position of Prime Minister. However, Singh proposed his fellow leader Krishna Prasad Bhattarai for the post, demonstrating his willingness to place collective leadership above personal political ambition.
Birth, Early Political Career, and Anti-Rana Movement
Born on Kartik 24, 1972 BS, into a prominent family in Chhetrapati, Kathmandu, Ganesh Man Singh passed away on Ashoj 2, 2054 BS.
He became politically active as a member of Praja Parishad, Nepal's first political party, established in 1997 BS. Through the party, he participated in the movement to end the Rana regime.
His involvement in the anti-Rana campaign led to his imprisonment, along with several other political leaders.
Already active in the movement against Rana rule, the young Singh escaped from Bhadragol Jail before 2007 BS and travelled to India. During his stay in India, he developed political ties with B.P. Koirala.
Singh also played an important role in providing sustained and determined leadership to the Nepali National Congress, established in 2003 BS with the involvement of several political activists.
The 1951 Revolution, Imprisonment, and National Reconciliation
Ganesh Man Singh was among the leading figures of the 2007 BS revolution for the establishment of democracy in Nepal. He participated in the armed struggle on the Birgunj front during the revolution.
Dedicated to the establishment and restoration of democracy, Singh remained ideologically aligned with B.P. Koirala and was one of his strongest supporters. He also worked continuously to strengthen the Nepali Congress and expand its public support.
Following Nepal's first general election in 2015 BS, Singh served as a senior minister in the government.
After the royal takeover on Poush 1, 2017 BS, which ended the democratic system, Singh spent eight consecutive years in detention, initially at Singha Durbar and later at Sundarijal Prison.
He remained imprisoned at Sundarijal alongside B.P. Koirala until 2025 BS.
After their release from Sundarijal Prison in 2025 BS, Singh and Koirala went into exile in India, where they continued expanding their political organisation.
On Poush 16, 2033 BS, Singh returned to Nepal with B.P. Koirala under the policy of national unity and reconciliation. However, he was arrested immediately upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport and imprisoned at Sundarijal for a second time.
Following his return, Singh continued his political activities against the then Panchayat system.
Sundarijal Prison was converted into the B.P. Museum on Bhadra 24, 2061 BS. The museum includes structures and statues commemorating B.P. Koirala, Ganesh Man Singh, and other political leaders who were imprisoned there.
Struggle Against the Panchayat System and the 1990 People's Movement
Singh was acquitted by a special court in eight cases in which the then Panchayat government had sought the death penalty against him and B.P. Koirala.
He also played a leading role in the student movement and national referendum of 2036 BS.
Following B.P. Koirala's death, Ganesh Man Singh emerged as the supreme leader of the Nepali Congress and led the Satyagraha Movement of 2042 BS.
Having remained continuously involved in politics since 1997 BS, Singh was known for his determined personality and active participation in democratic movements.
His contribution was particularly significant during the People's Movement of 2046 BS.
Singh announced a joint movement against the Panchayat system in cooperation with communist forces and served as the Supreme Commander of the movement.
His leadership during the movement for the restoration of multiparty democracy established him as one of the prominent figures in Nepal's democratic history.
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