Social Studies Note for Grade X | Unit- 7 | Lesson- 1 Revolution of 2007BS and Delhi Agreement-1

Revolution of 2007BS and Delhi Agreement-1

Major Events of Movement

Bairganiya Conference of the Nepali Congress held on 11th and 12th Aswin, 2007 BS decided to launch armed revolution against the Rana Rule. The movement was declared on 21st Kartik. At the same time King Tribhuvan left the palace and went to the Indian embassy along with his family members. On 23rd Kartik, 2007 BS, he went to Delhi, India by Indian Air Force helicopter. Mohan Shumsher, the then Prime Minister enthroned Gyanendra, the four year old second grandson of Tribhuvan. He was declared the King of Nepal. But this act of Mohan Shumsher was criticized at national and international level.

At the same time, the liberation army captured eastern hilly region along with Biratnagar. Thirbam Malla and Puran Singh were leading the revolution in Birgunj. During the course of armed revolution, Thirbam Malla attained martyrdom in battle. Dr. Kunwar Indrajit (K.I.) Singh was leading the liberation army in western parts. Suvarna Shumsher and B.P. Koirala were handling eastern fronts and captured many places with minor battles or without any battle. The battle took place in various parts of the country between People's Liberation Army and Ranas. People's government was also formed in those places. People were appealed not to pay tax to the Ranas. Soon the Ranas were limited only within Kathmandu valley.

People started to come to the street with various slogans against the Rana regime in Kathmandu and other places of Nepal. Everywhere people started to oppose the Ranas day by day. Many people were arrested but the movement spread more effectively. Mohan Shumsher could not handle the country and requested the Indian government to arbitrate for a solution. On the arbitration of Indian Government King Tribhuvan, the Ranas and the Nepali Congress started to negotiate in Delhi. Finally,a tripartite agreement was signed among Ranas, King Tribhuvan and the Nepali Congress in Delhi on 1st Falgun(12th February, 1951 AD). This is called the Delhi Agreement. This agreement ended the Rana rule in Nepal. After this agreement, King Tribhuvan returned to Nepal on 4th Falgun and made a declaration of the establishment of democracy and the end of the Rana rule in Nepal on 7th Falgun 2007 BS (18th February 1951 AD). In this way, 104 year- long Rana rule came to an end and democracy was introduced in Nepal. Thus, we observe democracy day on 7th Falgun every year.

Main Provisions of Delhi Agreement

1. Election of Constituent Assembly to be held to draft a new constitution
2. An interim coalition cabinet with ten members to be formed including 5 members from the Nepali Congress and 5 members from the Ranas
3. All the powers exercised by in "Shree 3" to be delivered to the King and King Tribhuvan to be the legitimate King of Nepal
4. Political prisoners, except those who are charged of criminal case, to set free without any condition, and
5. Agitators to handover their weapons to the government and stop the movement.

Consequences of Revolution

The revolution of 2007 BS was a great achievement in the history of Nepal. The Ranarchy established by Junga Bahadur after Kot Parva came to an end by this revolution. Major consequences of this revolution are presented below:

Foundation of Democratic Practice

After the end of 104 years long autocratic family rule of the Ranas ended and democratic practice introduced in the country. Various sectors of Nepalese society gradually adopted democratic practices. Democratic practices were clearly felt in judicial service, public service and political system.

Increase in Public Awareness

Nepalese society was far behind in the education in comparison of contemporary world during Ranarchy. Only about 2% people were literate. people were compelled to live in illiteracy and malpractices for more than a century. Development in education, culture and literature started only after the introduction of democracy in Nepal.

Beginning Constitutional Process

Constitution is the main law of the country. It protects the rights of people and distributes the powers to different organs of the state. Every country wants the written constitution. Before this, "Nepal Government's Legal Act, 2004" was promulgated in 2004 BS but remained unimplemented. "Interim Government Act of Nepal, 2007", promulgated after the introduction of democracy was the first written and implemented constitution in the country. In fact, it was the beginning of constitutional process.

Nepal's Exposure in International Arena

Before the introduction of democracy in the country, Nepal was far behind in international arena. Nepal had friendly relation only with 4 countries. The Rana government was completely devoted to British government. But after the introduction of democracy, Nepal adopted non-aligned foreign policy. Nepal became a member of UNO. The friendly relation also extended with other countries also. Nepal got exposure in international arena after the revolution of 2007 BS.

People's Participation

People's participation plays an important role in the development. Before the introduction of democracy, there was Hukumi Rule (dictatorship) in the country. The role of people was ignored. It was not possible to carry out all the development works only by the government. But, after the revolution of 2007 BS, people also participated in various creative works.