Apr 25, Kathmandu- Former President Bidya Devi Bhandari has said that the late Man Mohan Adhikari, the first Communist Prime Minister of Nepal, was a true friend and good leader of the senior citizens and rural people of Nepal.

Speaking at a program organized by the Manmohan Memorial Foundation on Thursday at Sanepa Lalitpur on the occasion of Adhikari's 25th Memorial Day, Bhandari said that the Senior Citizen Security Allowance introduced by Manmohan Adhikari is a model program in South Asia.

"This is why senior citizens across the country still remember and respect Manmohan Adhikari as a true friend and a good leader," said Bhandari.

Bhandari said that Adhikari is an unblemished and respected leader of Nepal's contemporary politics. She also recalled that he was a leading figure of the communist movement in Nepal.

Bhandari said that he spent 14 years in jail several times for participating in the movement against the Rana regime and the Panchayat.

Bhandari said that the officers have made an important contribution to the development of the village and the international image of the country.

She said that the entire life of Man Mohan Adhikari is an open book that should be studied for the new generation. Bhandari made it clear that today's achievements were achieved not because of anyone's eyes, but because of the sacrifices of leaders like her.