Nabindra Raj Joshi’s Statue Vandalized: Sapana Raj Bhandari Vows to Carry on His Legacy

Kathmandu. On Chaitra 13, 2079 BS, President Ram Chandra Paudel unveiled the statue of the late former minister Nabindra Raj Joshi at Dhokatol, Kathmandu, recalling Joshi’s contributions. He described Joshi as a leader who maintained a close relationship with the people and understood their joys and sorrows. At the same ceremony, Joshi’s wife, Sapana Raj Bhandari, participated with an emotional expression.

At that time, Sapana had said, “It is good to establish a statue to keep someone’s life alive in society. I am ready to fulfill the political goals he took on.”

However, before three years had passed since the unveiling, the statue was broken during the Gen Z protest that took place on Bhadra 23 and 24. The protesters smashed the statue. But a vegetable vendor reportedly hid the discarded statue by wrapping it in a sack.

“He was dear to everyone and had done a lot for the people. He always stood in favor of good governance and against corruption. Yet, the statue was broken, and our house was vandalized. I wonder why?” Sapana said emotionally. 

“The Safa Tempos running on our roads today were introduced during his time; he was the one who cleared Tundikhel. He did a lot to encourage the pharmaceutical industry. He lived in the hearts of the people by doing good work. He was very accessible. He had built a good image, yet he was attacked.”

Sapana, who mentioned that the vegetable vendor brought the statue wrapped in a sack to her house, stated that Nabindra Raj’s statue would be re-established in his memory. She also expressed grief over the arson attacks at Ganesh Man Singh’s residence in Chaksibari, Kushunji’s Ashram, and the Koirala residence in Biratnagar.

Born on Poush 22, 2019 BS in Kathmandu, Joshi passed away on Chaitra 13, 2077 BS. Having served as a member of the Constituent Assembly, Minister for Industry, Deputy Mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City, and founding chairman of the Ganesh Man Singh Academy, among other active roles in various social organizations, he was known as a leader with a clean image.

Sapana, who is a direct candidate from Kathmandu Constituency No. 8, commented that she is active in realizing Nabindra’s honesty, integrity, and dreams.

Emphasizing youth and entrepreneurship, the sustainable development of Kathmandu, and the preservation of world heritage sites, she has pledged not to let Nabindra’s vision—that one can be established through the politics of integrity—remain unfulfilled. Currently in her direct election campaign, she expressed hope that the voters will elect her.