Leaders pay tribute to Former Speaker Damannath Dhungana
KATHMANDU: Prime Minister and Chairman of the CPN-UML, KP Sharma Oli, has expressed that he and his party are deeply inspired by the ideals of former Speaker Damannath Dhungana.
Speaking during a tribute to the late Dhungana on Monday at his final resting place in New Gaucharan, Kathmandu, Oli highlighted Dhungana’s significant contributions to strengthening Nepal’s parliamentary system.
Oli described Dhungana as a personality with an advanced and organized vision for reinforcing the legislative body and strengthening the parliamentary system. He emphasized that Dhungana had a critical role in enhancing Nepal’s democracy, teaching the path to advance the country’s democratic process with determination.
“We will continue to draw inspiration from his ideals,” said Prime Minister Oli. “Dhungana was an extremely soft-spoken, beloved personality. He had a forward-thinking and organized approach on how to make the parliament more vibrant and strong, contributing significantly to strengthening Nepal’s parliamentary system. He was a champion of democracy, and we bid him farewell with national honor.”
In recognition of Dhungana’s vital contribution to democracy and the parliamentary system, the government decided to accord him a state funeral.
Former Chairman of the Council of Ministers, Khilraj Regmi, also paid tribute to Dhungana, describing him as a key figure in establishing parliamentary values. Regmi recalled Dhungana’s significant role as a senior lawyer, his debates on constitutional, legal, and political matters, and his cooperative approach in various roles.
Regmi remarked, “He was not only a great senior lawyer but also a significant voice in constitutional and legal issues. As Speaker, he played a crucial role in solidifying parliamentary values and ensuring coordination among political stakeholders. His contributions in the legal, political, and parliamentary arenas were exemplary.”
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Devraj Ghimire, also honored Dhungana, saying that he played a key role in strengthening the parliament.
Ghimire cited Dhungana as an inspiration for understanding how to make the parliament stronger and more effective, acknowledging his guidance on parliamentary processes.
Former Prime Minister and President of the Nepali Congress, Sher Bahadur Deuba, praised Dhungana for establishing the principle of government majority and parliamentary opposition.
Speaking at the tribute, Deuba recalled Dhungana’s impartiality and fairness as Speaker and expressed that while his decisions had once been seen as challenging by his party, they now reflected his integrity and fairness.
“Dhungana was a man of great integrity, and his passing is a significant loss for the country,” Deuba stated.
Chair of the CPN (Maoist Centre), Pushpa Kamal Dahal, also expressed his tribute, remembering Dhungana’s unforgettable contributions to creating the environment for the peace agreement and the constituent assembly.
Dahal emphasized that Dhungana, along with other key figures, played a vital role in bringing the country to democratic federalism and will always be remembered as a historic figure in Nepal’s democratic movement.
“His contributions to the peace process and the formation of the constituent assembly will always be remembered as crucial in shaping Nepal’s democratic future,” Dahal said.
