Koirala entered politics in 1954 inspired by the social-democratic ideals of the Nepali Congress . In 1958 he keenly participated in Bhadra Abagya Aandalon , ( Civil Disobedience Movement ) launched by the Nepali Congress . In 1959 , he actively involved himself in the party 's objective of carrying out the democratic elections . The election saw Bishweshwar Prasad Koirala become the first elected prime minister of the country . However , King Mahendra planned and executed a coup in December 1960 and expelled Bishweshwar Prasad Koirala . This resulted in the exile of several members of the Nepali Congress to India , which included Sushil Koirala . He remained in political exile in India for 16 years following the royal takeover of 1960 . Koirala also spent three years in Indian prisons for his involvement in a plane hijacking in 1973 . While in exile , Koirala was the editor of '' Tarun '' , the official party publication . He has been a member of the Central Working Committee of the party since 1979 and was appointed General Secretary of the party in 1996 and Vice President in 1998
a plane hijacking in 1973
1973 Nepal plane hijack
Sushil Koirala