Kathmandu: The cremation of former chair of the Kathmandu district chapter of the Nepali Congress (NC), Tirtha Ram Dangol, was held at Teku Dobhan, Kathmandu today. The performance of Dangol’s last rites adhered to the Newari rituals. Dangol, who also served as the Minister for Health, passed away last Friday in Kathmandu at the age of 77. He had been undergoing treatment for prostate cancer and kidney-related ailments for a long time.
According to National News Agency Nepal, Dangol’s wife Tej Maya and brother Balram Dangol lit the lamp on his mortal remains as part of the rituals of the final rites. The funeral was attended by a large number of family members, relatives, friends, as well as NC leaders and supporters. Dangol’s contributions ranged from building the party organization to leading various democratic movements in the country, including a significant movement against regression in 2062/63 BS that laid the foundation for the establishment of a republican system by overthrowing the monarchy.
Dangol was elected to the House of Representatives twice, first in 2056 BS and again in 2065 BS. Before the cremation, his body was kept at the NC’s central office for tributes. Party President Sher Bahadur Deuba, other leaders, and cadres, as well as Kathmandu Metropolitan City’s Deputy Mayor Sunita Dangol, offered tributes to the departed leader.
Dangol’s fellow politicians and well-wishers commended him as a fearless and ardent supporter of truth. His political partner, Bhimsendas Pradhan, recalled Dangol’s repeated warnings to the party’s top leadership against nepotism and factionalism, advocating for merit over nepotism and factionalism. National Assembly member Anjan Shakya remarked that Dangol’s demise was a significant loss to both the NC and the country, as he was known for his leadership acumen, honesty, and loyalty.