Kathmandu: The Nepali Congress (NC) has expressed deep sorrow following the demise of party central member and former minister, Keshab Kumar Budhathoki. An emergency meeting of the party's central working committee convened at the party central office in Sanepa this morning to pay tribute to Budhathoki, acknowledging his significant contributions to the party, as well as his role as a former Constituent Assembly member and General Administration Minister. The committee extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family.

Budhathoki passed away during medical treatment at Biratnagar-based Birat Medical College last night. Born on October 7, 1944, to Nandakumari and Ranakeshar Budhathoki, he played a crucial role in the institutional building of the party and Nepal's democratic movement, as recognized by the party.

In honor of Budhathoki's memory, the NC has decided to lower the party flag to half-mast for three days starting February 7 at the central office, province, and district offices. Additionally, all pre-scheduled official events during this period will be postponed. On February 7, the party's central, provincial, and district offices will remain closed. A condolence assembly is scheduled to be held in Jhapa on the 13th day of Budhathoki's demise, as announced by the party's Central Office Chief Secretary, Krishna Prasad Poudel.