10th September 2025, Kathmandu
In a significant and unexpected development in Nepal’s ongoing political crisis, controversial businessman and activist Durga Prasai has emerged from a “day-long” discussion with Chief of Army Staff Ashokraj Sigdel at the Army Headquarters with a powerful message.
Durga Prasai Statement
While denying any personal ambition for leadership, Prasai stated he is “ready for any situation” to help guide the nation out of its current turmoil.
The meeting, which took place amidst widespread protests and a climate of political uncertainty, has been a subject of intense speculation.
Prasai, known for his pro-monarchy and anti-federalism campaigns, has become a key figure in the populist movement that has gained momentum, particularly among the youth.
His talks with the Army Chief, a pillar of state stability, signal the military’s engagement with various stakeholders in an effort to de-escalate the situation.
Following the extensive discussion, Prasai took to social media to share his reflections. “My conclusion after the long discussion is clear—I have no obsession with leadership,” he wrote in a post that quickly went viral.
This statement, from a figure previously seen as a potential contender for political power, appears to be an attempt to present himself as a selfless patriot.
In a move that aligns with the sentiments of the current youth-led “Gen-Z” protests, Prasai expressed his respect for their movement.
He further surprised many by declaring his readiness to accept the leadership of either Kathmandu Mayor Balen Shah or former Chief Justice Sushila Karki.
This endorsement is particularly noteworthy as both figures represent a new, non-traditional form of political authority and are widely seen as symbols of a clean break from Nepal’s established political parties.
Balen Shah, a popular independent mayor, and Sushila Karki, a respected former top judge known for her integrity, have both been proposed by various factions as potential candidates to lead a transitional or interim government.
Prasai’s public support for them could be seen as an attempt to align his movement with the broader public desire for change and to legitimize his role in the national dialogue.
However, Prasai’s statement also carried a defiant tone. “But running away by showing my back when no one steps forward is not my nature,” he asserted, suggesting that he remains a ready and willing participant in the nation’s political future, should other options fail.
This position—being a catalyst for change without seeking the top job himself—is a clever rhetorical strategy that allows him to remain influential while sidestepping the direct accusations of personal ambition.
Prasai’s post also included a broader call for national unity and a constructive path forward. “In today’s critical moment, I will not engage in cheap politics or comments.
What is needed now is seriousness, national unity, and the search for a constructive path,” he wrote. He emphasized that resolving the crisis is a shared responsibility, not just for the current generation but for the future of the entire nation.
The current political climate in Nepal is fraught with tension. The widespread youth protests, while driven by a desire for good governance and an end to corruption, have also led to significant violence and destruction.
Prasai’s meeting with the Army Chief and his subsequent statement indicate a behind-the-scenes effort to find a resolution outside the traditional parliamentary process.
It remains to be seen whether his proposals will be accepted by the disparate protest groups, many of whom have expressed skepticism about working with established figures.
For a nation on edge, the coming days will be crucial. The outcome of these high-level discussions, the reactions of the Gen-Z protesters, and the decisions of political leaders will determine whether Nepal finds a peaceful way forward or sinks deeper into chaos.
Durga Prasai, once seen as a fringe activist, has now firmly placed himself at the center of this national drama, and his willingness to be “ready for any situation” makes him a figure to watch closely.
For more: Durga Prasai Statement