Leaders of various political parties on Thursday remembered late Nepali Congress (NC) leader and former Prime Minister Sushil Koirala as a man of 'simple living and high thinking'.

During an inauguration function of Sushil Koirala Foundation in the Capital, leaders recalled his unflinching commitment to democracy and his leadership in promulgating the constitution last year.

Sushil, also the erstwhile Nepali Congress president, passed away on February 9, 2016.

Admitting that he could not get along with Sushil during the most recent years, NC President Sher Bahadur Deuba acknowledged the lead role he played in promulgating the new statute. “We were also not sure how Sushil would bring all forces together to bring out the statute, but he did it,” said Deuba. He also said holding elections and implementing the constitution would be the best tribute to late Koirala.

NC General Secretary Sashank Koirala reminisced how Sushil acted as his guardian during his early childhood days. “I am sure that if it was any other prime minister last September, we could not have promulgated the statute,” said Sashank, also the chairman of the foundation.

Noting that it was natural phenomenon to have differences within a democratic party, former NC general secretary said Sushil also respected all thoughts and ideologies within the party.

Comparing Sushil with Indian freedom fighter Mahatma Gandhi, Maoist Centre leader Narayan Kaji Shrestha said the people should come together to fight corruption if they wanted to give him a deserving honour.