In a move that underscores both urgency and concern, Durga Prasad Subedi, the 74-year-old husband of Nepal’s Interim Prime Minister Sushila Karki, is set to be flown to New Delhi for further medical care after his condition showed no significant improvement at a major Nepali hospital. Subedi, a former youth leader of the Nepali Congress and a notable figure in Nepal’s political history, has been under medical supervision at the Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital since last Thursday, but despite extensive testing and treatment, doctors confirmed that his health had not stabilized.

According to hospital sources, Subedi will be discharged from the government hospital later in the evening before being transported to India. “He was admitted here and has been undergoing treatment since Thursday after experiencing various health problems. Initially, he was diagnosed with a urinary tract infection, low sodium levels, and stomach-related issues,” a hospital official told ANI on the condition of anonymity. Further investigations, including CT scans and MRI tests, were conducted to determine the root cause of his deteriorating condition, but no specific issue was identified, prompting the family to seek a second opinion in India.

Dr. Man Bahadur KC, personal physician to Interim Prime Minister Karki, confirmed that Subedi had been discharged following the family’s decision to pursue treatment outside Nepal. While details regarding the exact hospital in Delhi remain undisclosed, the move indicates the seriousness with which his health situation is being treated. Medical teams from both countries are expected to coordinate to ensure a smooth transfer and uninterrupted care during the journey.

A Life Intertwined With Nepalese Politics

Durga Prasad Subedi is not only the spouse of the Interim Prime Minister but also a prominent figure in Nepalese political history. His life and career reflect decades of involvement in Nepal’s evolving political landscape, beginning with his student activism during his time at Banaras Hindu University (BHU) in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. It was during these formative years that Subedi met Sushila Karki, who would later become the Interim Prime Minister of Nepal. Their shared academic and political pursuits laid the foundation for a lifelong partnership intertwined with activism, governance, and nation-building.

Subedi’s political credentials include his tenure as a youth leader of the Nepali Congress, the party that has historically played a central role in Nepal’s democratic movements. However, his most dramatic—and widely remembered—political episode took place more than five decades ago, when he was involved in Nepal’s first plane hijacking, a bold operation carried out on June 10, 1973.

The 1973 Plane Hijacking: A Turning Point in Nepalese Politics

Subedi, along with two other members of the Nepali Congress, hijacked a Canadian-made 19-seater Twin Otter aircraft that was traveling from Biratnagar to Kathmandu. The operation, masterminded by former Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala, was designed to raise funds for an “armed struggle” against the monarchy under King Mahendra. At the time, Nepal was under tight royal control, and political dissent was often met with suppression, prompting young Congress cadres to take extraordinary measures to advance their cause.

The aircraft, carrying 30 lakh Nepalese rupees in government funds, became the focal point of this high-stakes political maneuver. After a brief struggle with the crew, the hijackers forced the pilot to land the plane on a grassy strip in Forbesganj, Bihar, India. The operation was carefully executed, reflecting both the planning and determination of the Nepali Congress activists. Subedi later chronicled the daring event in his book Biman Bidroha, offering personal insights into the motivations and execution of one of Nepal’s most audacious political acts.

This episode not only cemented Subedi’s reputation as a committed political activist but also highlighted the lengths to which Nepali leaders were willing to go to challenge autocratic rule. Over the years, he has transitioned from a revolutionary activist to a senior political figure, maintaining close ties with key decision-makers in the Nepali Congress and beyond.

A Life of Public Service and Personal Sacrifice

Subedi’s political journey has always been intertwined with that of his wife, Sushila Karki, whose tenure as Interim Prime Minister has been marked by efforts to stabilize governance and navigate Nepal through periods of political transition. Their shared experiences—from student activism to high-level politics—have made the couple emblematic of Nepal’s evolving democracy.

While Subedi’s health issues have now taken center stage, the broader public and political circles in Nepal are closely monitoring developments, reflecting the high regard in which he is held. Officials have stressed that the transfer to Delhi is a precautionary and necessary step to ensure access to specialized care, given the complexity of his condition, which includes urinary tract infection, electrolyte imbalances, and gastrointestinal issues.

Medical Challenges and Treatment Plans

Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital doctors noted that Subedi underwent extensive diagnostic testing to identify any underlying causes for his persistent illness. Despite CT scans, MRI tests, and ongoing treatment, no definitive condition could be pinpointed, making advanced diagnostic care in India the preferred next step. Experts suggest that hospitals in Delhi may provide access to specialized multi-disciplinary care, potentially including gastroenterology, nephrology, and geriatric care, which could help stabilize his condition.

The decision to transfer him also reflects broader concerns about health infrastructure and availability of advanced care in Nepal. In high-profile cases involving senior political figures, medical teams often coordinate with Indian hospitals to facilitate seamless treatment, ensuring that patients receive both timely interventions and continuous monitoring during travel.

Public Attention and Political Implications

News of Subedi’s hospitalization and transfer has drawn widespread attention in Nepal, not only because of his historical significance but also because of his connection to the current Interim Prime Minister. Political analysts note that such personal events often resonate strongly in Nepal, where political narratives are deeply intertwined with public perception. Subedi’s decades-long involvement in Nepalese politics, combined with his personal and professional ties to Karki, has ensured that the incident is being closely covered by both media and political observers.

While his health remains the immediate concern, the transfer to Delhi also underscores the enduring influence of past political figures in shaping contemporary narratives. Subedi’s life story—from youthful activism to hijacking a plane for political causes, to now being the spouse of the nation’s interim leader—illustrates the complex interplay of personal courage, political ambition, and public service in Nepal’s modern history.

Looking Ahead

As Subedi prepares to be flown to Delhi for treatment, doctors, family members, and political colleagues remain hopeful that access to advanced medical care will stabilize his condition. While the hospital in Nepal continues to monitor his status, the decision to seek treatment abroad highlights the urgency and seriousness of his situation.

For many, Durga Prasad Subedi represents a bridge between Nepal’s revolutionary past and its present political landscape. His transfer to India for treatment is more than a medical necessity—it is a reminder of the enduring legacy of those who shaped Nepal’s democratic journey, and the personal sacrifices intertwined with the pursuit of political ideals.

As the nation watches and waits, Nepal’s interim leadership, led by Sushila Karki, remains engaged both in governance and in ensuring the well-being of one of its most distinguished citizens. The coming days will be critical, both for Subedi’s health and for the symbolic reassurance that the nation’s political stalwarts continue to receive the care and respect befitting their contributions.