Leader Pradhan, who fainted at his residence in Butwal last night, was immediately rushed to the Lumbini Zonal Hospital in Butwal where he breathed his last at 6:15 am today, according to Laxmiraj Regmi, the Information Officer at the Hospital.

Born in 1940 in Pang of Parbat district, Pradhan forayed into politics with the Bhadra Abagya Aandolan, one of the prominent political movements in the country, staged in 1957. Later he was elected the Mayor of Butwal and then MP in 1999.

Pradhan played crucial role in the overall development of the Rupandehi district. He is credited for his contribution for the construction of the Blood Transfusion Centre in Butwal, the Lumbini Zonal Hospital, the Siddhartha Women and Children Hospital Amda, Lumbini Commerce Campus, the Sidhartha Gautam Buddha Campus and Butwal Multiple Campus among other educational and medical institutions in the district.

Pradhan is survived by his spouse and a daughter. His mortal remains has been kept at the ground of the Butwal Multiple Campus for the public to offer tributes.

Poudel expresses condolence

Meanwhile, Nepali Congress Vice President Ram Chandra Poudel has expressed deep sorrow over the demise of party leader and senior philanthropist Pradhan.

In a condolence message, Poudel stated that the entire Nepali Congress party and especially the party’s Rupandehi chapter has suffered a big loss in Pradhan’s demise. “Pradhan’s role in strengthening the party organisation and in the movement for the establishment of democracy and its reinstatement would be always remembered,” Poudel stated.

Praying for the eternal peace of the departed soul, the NC vice-president also extended heartfelt condolences to the members of the bereaved family. RSS