NC leader Dr Koirala urges govt to return Rs 20 million allocated for Koirala residence renovation

Kathmandu / Aug. 7: Nepali Congress (NC) leader Dr. Shekhar Koirala has urged the government to withdraw the Rs 20 million budget allocated for the renovation and preservation of the historic Koirala residence in Biratnagar.

In a letter to the Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Dr Koirala said state resources should be prioritized for public welfare at a time when the country is facing economic challenges.

The government had allocated Rs 20 million in the budget for fiscal year 2026/27 for the maintenance and preservation of the Koirala residence at Biratnagar Metropolitan City-7, Koshi Hospital Chowk.

Dr Koirala said he could not ethically accept the decision to spend state funds on his family residence and requested that the amount be used in other essential sectors.

The historic house, built by his father Krishna Prasad Koirala over a century ago, is considered an important site linked to Nepal’s political and social history. It was damaged during the Gen-Z movement on September 9 last year after being set on fire.

While thanking the government for allocating the budget, Koirala said the funds should instead be directed toward addressing the needs of citizens facing hardship and deprivation.