The Nepali Congress (NC) has decided to mourn the passing of its former central committee member and former minister, Dhundiraj Shastri, for three days, beginning today. Shastri died on June 16 in the course of treatment at Kathmandu Medical College. He was 89.
An emergency meeting of the party's Central Executive Committee held today expressed profound sorrow over Shastri's demise and endorsed a condolence motion.
In accordance with the decision, the party flag will be flown at half-mast at the central, provincial, and district-level offices from June 18 to June 20. Additionally, all NC offices nationwide will remain closed on June 19. On the 13th day of his passing, the party will organize condolence assemblies at its offices to commemorate the late leader's contributions to the party's strengthening and bringing political transformation in the country.
The meeting observed a minute of silence, praying for eternal peace for the departed soul.
Shastri, widely respected as a socialist thinker, had a long and distinguished career in Nepali politics. A devoted follower of BP Koirala, he began his political journey as a student and played a vital role in Nepal's democratic movements. His commitment to democratic socialism was unwavering, and he endured imprisonment and exile in India for his activism.
Born on Jeth 25, 1993 BS in Kimdanda, Arghakhanchi, Shastri was elected to the House of Representatives from Arghakhanchi Constituency-2 in the general elections of 2048 BS (1991) and 2051 BS (1994).
The NC has paid high tribute to Shastri's lifelong dedication, loyalty and contributions to nationalism, democracy, and socialism.
In a statement today, the party acknowledged his intellectual legacy, political experience, and key roles in shaping and strengthening the party organization. The NC stated that his commitment and service to both the party and the nation will always be remembered with high reverence.
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