Gyanendra Shahi Comments on Nagdhunga Tunnel Dispute

Public discussion over the naming of the Nagdhunga Tunnel has widened beyond the project itself after a Facebook post by Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) leader Gyanendra Shahi drew attention to how governments have historically renamed public infrastructure in Nepal.

Shahi referred to ongoing claims on social media that former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s name had been removed from the tunnel project, using the discussion to argue that attempts to reshape history through political decisions often produce unintended consequences over time.

Rather than limiting his remarks to the current controversy, Shahi recalled earlier periods when roads, public structures and state properties associated with the former monarchy were renamed following political change. He suggested that the latest debate reflects a continuation of a long-running practice of revisiting public symbols whenever governments change.

He argued that history belongs to the country as a whole rather than to any single political system or leader, and implied that rewriting or erasing historical references for political purposes may not stand the test of time. The post concluded with a reference to an old story, suggesting that the present debate offers lessons beyond the immediate political disagreement.

Mixed Public Response

The remarks generated differing reactions across social media.

Some users agreed with Shahi’s view that political transitions should not determine how historical memory is preserved in public spaces. Others argued that decisions about naming public infrastructure should be considered separately from debates over history or political legacy, saying the two issues should not automatically be treated as the same question.

The discussion also reflects a broader pattern in Nepal, where the naming of roads, institutions and public projects frequently becomes part of larger political debates after changes in government. As a result, disputes over names often extend beyond administrative decisions and become arguments about identity, memory and competing political narratives.

Official Confirmation Remains Key

At the same time, experts have stressed that any conclusion regarding the Nagdhunga Tunnel’s official name or claims that former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s name has been removed should be based only on formal decisions issued by the concerned government authorities.

They caution that statements and claims circulating on social media should not be treated as established facts unless supported by official documentation or announcements.