Guwahati: An old video purportedly showing Bollywood actor Manisha Koirala discussing Nepal’s status as a Hindu nation and criticizing its adoption of secularism during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections in India has been circulating online. However, fact-checking by BOOM revealed that the video actually dates back to November 2022 and is unrelated to the ongoing Lok Sabha election.
The viral video captures an interview where Koirala speaks about Nepal’s historical identity as a Hindu nation and expresses dissatisfaction with its transition to secularism. She reflects on the peaceful coexistence of various religious communities in Nepal prior to its secularization and questions the necessity of the change.
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Misinterpretations of Koirala’s remarks have surfaced on social media platforms, with some users falsely associating her statements with Indian politics and alleging conspiracy theories involving leftist ideologies and missionary activities.
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BOOM’s investigation traced the origin of the video to a November 2022 interview conducted by Nepal-based channel Yoho Television HD. The interview predates the 2024 Lok Sabha elections and aligns with Koirala’s previous expressions of discontent regarding Nepal’s secular status.
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This is not the first instance where Koirala has voiced her concerns about Nepal’s transition to secularism. A report by Indian Express from March 26, 2010, highlights her earlier remarks emphasizing the absence of religious conflicts in Nepal prior to its secularization.
Koirala, who is also the granddaughter of Nepal’s first elected Prime Minister, BP Koirala, said, “Nepal never had any dispute over the issue of religion. There was no need to change the status of the Hindu state as there was no problem in it.”
This story is republished from Boom Live as part of the Shakti Collective. Read the original story here.