KATHMANDU, July 18: Nepali Congress (NC) President Gagan Kumar Thapa and former Prime Minister and Nepali Communist Party (NCP) Coordinator Pushpa Kamal Dahal have paid tribute to prominent civil society leader and former finance minister Dr Devendra Raj Pandey, describing his death as an irreparable loss to the nation and praising his lifelong contributions to democracy, good governance, and citizens' rights.
In a social media post on Saturday, Thapa said the country had lost a profound intellectual, moral leader, and true watchdog of democracy with Dr Pandey's passing.
He said Dr Pandey dedicated his life to promoting civic freedom, equality, human rights, and democratic awareness, and consistently raised a strong voice against autocratic rule by mobilizing citizens during critical moments in Nepal's democratic movement.
Veteran civil society leader Devendra Raj Pandey passes away
"As finance secretary, finance minister, development thinker, and advocate of good governance, he brought a new perspective to Nepal's economy, public administration, and development discourse," Thapa said. He added that Dr Pandey's honesty, transparency, and ethical public life would remain an enduring legacy for future generations, while his role in promoting social harmony, equality, and national unity would always be remembered.
Dahal also expressed sorrow over Dr Pandey's demise, saying his contributions to citizens' freedom, good governance, and people's rights were invaluable.
"The contributions he made to citizen freedom, good governance, and people's rights, along with the peace process and the establishment of the federal democratic republic, will always be remembered with respect in Nepal's history," Dahal said in a statement.
Both leaders extended heartfelt condolences to Dr Pandey's bereaved family, relatives, and all those who admired and respected him.
Dr Pandey passed away at his residence in Bishalnagar, Kathmandu, on Friday evening at the age of 87 after being brought home from Patan Hospital earlier that day.
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