Jana Andolan I — People's Movement Topples Panchayat, Restores Democracy
जनआन्दोलन १ — जनताको आन्दोलनले पञ्चायत उखेल्यो, प्रजातन्त्र पुनर्स्थापित
What happened
In 1990, millions of Nepalis took to the streets demanding democracy. Protests spread across the country for months. Police killed at least 50 people. But the movement was so powerful that King Birendra finally gave in and agreed to allow political parties and democracy. Nepal became a real democracy for the first time since 1960.
Full Verified Record
Jana Andolan I (People's Movement I) was a mass political uprising from February to April 1990 that ended Nepal's 28-year Panchayat autocracy. Launched jointly by the Nepali Congress and the United Left Front (seven communist parties), the movement called for restoration of multiparty democracy. Security forces killed at least 50 protesters. The movement escalated until King Birendra agreed on 8 April 1990 to lift the ban on political parties and form an interim government. The 1962 constitution was suspended. A new democratic constitution was promulgated in November 1990. Jana Andolan I is considered Nepal's first successful mass revolution.
फेब्रुअरी–अप्रिल १९९० मा नेपाली काँग्रेस र वाम मोर्चाको संयुक्त नेतृत्वमा जनआन्दोलन भड्कियो। सुरक्षा बलले कम्तीमा ५० प्रदर्शनकारीलाई मार्यो। अन्ततः राजा वीरेन्द्रले राजनीतिक दलहरूमाथिको प्रतिबन्ध उठाए।
Why it mattered
Jana Andolan I was Nepal's most successful mass democratic movement until 2006. It established the template for citizen-led political change in Nepal. The 1990 constitution that followed governed Nepal for 17 years. The movement also proved that the Nepali Congress and communist parties could cooperate against autocracy — a lesson applied again in 2005-2006.
Who was affected
All 18 million Nepalis via restored democracy. 50+ families who lost members to security force violence. Political parties that were legalised. The Panchayat political class which lost power. Nepal's press, which was freed.
Verification
verified
Editorial status
approved
Fact sensitivity
Level 1 of 5
Last updated
29 May 2026