KATHMANDU: Nepali Congress has expressed deep sorrow over the demise of veteran democratic activist, former central member, and ex-minister Amod Prasad Upadhyay, passing a condolence resolution and deciding to fly the party flag at half-mast for three days.
The decision was taken at a central working committee meeting chaired by party vice-chair Dhanraj Gurung. The party will lower flags at its central, provincial, and district offices on December 15, 16 and 17, according to party secretary Krishna Prasad Paudel.
Upadhyay passed away at the age of 91 on December 13 (Saturday evening) at HAMS Hospital in Kathmandu while undergoing treatment for cancer. The party expressed condolences to his bereaved family and paid tribute to his contributions.
The meeting also decided to close all central, provincial, and district offices on Poush 1, keep condolence books at offices until the 13th day after his passing, and hold a memorial service in his home district of Morang on the 13th day. His body will be cremated today at Pashupati Aryaghat, the party office confirmed.
Upadhyay was nominated to the National Assembly in 1991. He was elected as a member of the House of Representatives from Morang-1 in a by-election on December 9, 1999. He served as Minister of Education and Sports in 1999 and was reinstated as a member of the Legislature Parliament after the historic 2005/06 people’s movement. He was also elected to the 2008 Constituent Assembly from Morang-1.
Known for his dignified and intellectual personality, Upadhyay chaired the party’s Central Disciplinary Committee in 2013 and carried out his responsibilities with distinction. During his political struggle, he faced repeated imprisonment and also lived in exile. He contributed writings to various publications and had a keen interest in social service and academic pursuits.
The Nepali Congress stated that Upadhyay’s passing marks the loss of a senior and experienced leader who played a pivotal role in party organization and Nepal’s democratic movements.
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