Political leaders remembered him as someone with an ability to make decisions, someone hardworking, amiable and with prospects of becoming head of the UML party.
NC Joint Secretary Purna Bahadur Khadka recalls the late Dhakal as a member of the Parliamentary State Affairs Committee (SAC) when he himself was its head, and vice versa. "He was a hardworking person with an ability to be decisive. I knew him as an amiable and young leader with prospects of reaching the top position in the UML party in future," said Khadka, while expressing sadness over his passing away.UCPN (Maoist) Secretary Barsha Man Pun said the country has lost an energetic youth leader. "I am shocked to learn about the death of youth leader Ram Nath Dhakal. The country has lost an energetic leader. I extend heartfelt condolences and sympathies to his family," he said.
Born on December 20, 1962, Dhakal is survived by two sons, a daughter and his wife. He started his political career as a leader of the All Nepal National Free Students Union (ANNFSU), which is affiliated to the CPN-UML. He served as chairman of the ANNFSU for a long time.
Dhakal was elected member of parliament from Gulmi Constituency No. 1in the mid-term election held in 1994 and as Constituent Assembly (CA) member from Rupandehi Constituency No. 5 in 2008. He served as chairman of parliament's State Affairs Committee after the first CA election.
Dhakal lost the CA election in November, 2013 by a thin margin. The UML, in its internal reshuffle of work divisions, had chosen him as Lumbini Zone in-charge of the party, considering his leadership skills, dedication and hard work for the party.
UML General Secretary Ishwar Pokharel said the UML has lost a strong, determined leader with dependable leadership qualities. "I extend my heartfelt condolences," he said while extending sympathies to the bereaved family.
Issuing a press statement, the UML has said that Dhakal's body will be placed at party headquarter Madan Nagar from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Monday for paying final homage. The last rites will be performed at Pashupati Aryaghat after that.
People from the media fraternity remmber Dhakal as a friendly leader who was easy-going with mediapersons. Apart from political leaders, facebook and twitter walls are abuzz with people from various walks of life expressing heartfelt condolences and deepest sympathies to members of the bereaved family.
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