NC declares 3-day mourning for leader Dhundhiraj Shastri (photos)

KATHMANDU The Nepali Congress has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of its former central member, ex-minister, and noted socialist thinker Dhundhiraj Shastri, declaring three days of official mourning.

An emergency meeting of the party’s central working committee held today passed a condolence resolution and announced that the party flag will be flown at half-mast on Asar 4, 5, and 6 at all central, provincial, and district offices.

According to Chief Secretary Krishna Prasad Paudel, the party has also decided to close all offices on Asar 5, maintain condolence books at all party offices until the 13th day of Shastri’s passing, and hold a memorial gathering in his home district on that day.

Shastri passed away on Asar 2 at the age of 89 while undergoing treatment at Kathmandu Medical College.

The meeting also observed a minute of silence in his memory and prayed for the eternal peace of his soul.

A lifelong democrat, Shastri joined the Nepali Congress during his student years and spent many years imprisoned and in exile in India during Nepal’s pro-democracy struggles. He was a close follower of national leader B.P. Koirala and a key advocate of democratic socialism in Nepal.

Born in Kimdanda, Arghakhanchi on Jestha 25, 1993 B.S., Shastri served multiple terms as a central committee member of the party and was elected to the House of Representatives from Arghakhanchi-2 in the 2048 and 2051 B.S. general elections.

The Congress has paid high tribute to his unwavering commitment to nationalism, democracy, and socialism. “With his passing, the party has lost a senior intellectual and seasoned political figure,” said Chief Secretary Paudel.

The party praised Shastri’s lasting contributions to organizational development, democratic values, and promotion of socialist ideology.

His leadership and service across various high-level responsibilities remain an integral part of the party’s legacy.

Today, party president and former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba paid his respects by draping the party flag over Shastri’s mortal remains at the party’s central office in Sanepa.

Senior leaders including General Secretaries Gagan Kumar Thapa and Krishna Prasad Sitaula, as well as Bimalendra Nidhi, Dr. Shashank Koirala, Gopalman Shrestha, and Dr. Minendra Rijal also offered floral tributes.

Shastri’s final rites will be performed later today at Aryaghat, Pashupati, the party informed.

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