This was the constant remark that Uma didi made over the phone to all those who were inquiring about the news of former prime minister Girija Prasad Koirala´s demise on Saturday. [break]
The elderly lady, Uma Sharma, who has been living in Koirala´s residence in Biratnagar since decades, told the inquirers, “Don´t ask me anything. I´ll talk later.”
A huge crowd had gathered at Koirala´s home soon after the news of his death came out. Uma was seen packing Koirala´s things which he used during his stay in Biratnagar. She left for Kathmandu in the afternoon to attend his last rite.
Uma didi also did not comment much with Pandit Dinbandhu Pokharel, who reached Koirala´s house to convey his condolence. “I am glad you have come to express sympathy during this time of mourning. I don´t want to say anything more now,” Uma didi told Pokharel with folded hands.
The house of Koirala at Biratnagar was used during all major times of political change in the country. As soon as many members of the household left the place, Uma undertook its supervision. She was always the first person GP met when he reached his home. When GP used to enter worship room in the first floor, she was the only one to accompany him. Visitors had to take her permission to enter GP´s bedroom and living room.
The house built over one bigha and five kattha land used to be lively due to GP. Before he fell seriously ill, he used to visit his home town even twice a month. Uma said that with his demise all the liveliness of the house is now gone.
The last time GP stayed here was in October when he came to attend a program. He had cut short his four-day visit and stayed only for one night. On October 15 he had unveiled the statues of his brother B P Koirala and sister-in-law Nona Koirala placed at the Morang Congress office.
He returned to Kathmandu in an aggressive mood after hearing that some eight kattha land in BP Koirala´s sons´ name was to be sold. GP was planning a museum in that place in his father Krishna Prasad´s name. He wanted to preserve the Srijana Koirala residence as he believed it was an idol of democratic revolution.
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