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Girija Prasad Koirala was not the most successful, popular or upright political leader. It would be dishonest to claim otherwise. But Koirala was one of the most influential leaders and his death will create a vacuum in Nepali politics and the peace process.
Koirala's 60-year political career was testimony to his belief in democracy. He led the worker's movement at the age of 32. He weathered adverse political and economic circumstances and was at one point exiled to India for his democratic beliefs. He was the real guardian of freedom fighters, who were ready to raise arms if BP Koirala asked it of them.
But absolute power corrupts absolutely. Was Girija an exception? Only history will tell. What we can say for sure is that democracy within political parties was never a priority for him, which held up the advance of democracy throughout the country.