Kathmandu: Veteran politician, progressive writer, and former minister Pradeep Nepal was cremated on Tuesday night at the Pashupati electric crematorium in accordance with his own wishes for a simple, flag-free farewell.

The 72-year-old CPN-UML leader passed away earlier that afternoon at Norvic International Hospital, where he had been receiving treatment for pneumonia and complications related to Parkinson’s disease. He had previously renounced active politics after turning 60.

A well-known rebel voice in literature and a principled figure in politics, Nepal had left strict instructions: no party flag, no public tribute programs, no wood cremation. His family and party respected this, with his body not being taken to the UML headquarters and no ceremonial tribute being held.

Despite his wishes, Deputy Prime Minister Prakash Man Singh draped the national flag over his body, a gesture seen by many as a respectful deviation rather than a political one.

Many top leaders including CPN-UML Vice President Bishnu Poudel, Senior Vice President Ishwor Pokharel, Unified Socialist Chair Madhav Kumar Nepal, CP Mainali, and Bamdev Gautam, as well as a large number of party officials and sympathizers, gathered quietly at Pashupati to pay their respects.

Political Journey and Literary Legacy
Born on Poush 27, 2010 BS in Gogane, Bhojpur, Pradeep Nepal was a journalist, editor, and columnist in addition to being a politician. He edited influential weeklies such as Dharga, Drishti, and Prakash and was widely read for his bold, ideological writing.

As an author, his works include powerful short story collections like "Nari Anuha", "Paropakar Yatra", and "Bechiyeka Cheliharu", and novels such as "Khuite Kaderiya", "Purvatir", "Ekaisaun Shatabdiko Sumnima", and more. His fiction often reflected the struggles and contradictions of the political left in Nepal.

Tributes from Colleagues
Bamdev Gautam described him as a "warrior and party builder" from the days of the Jhapa Movement and Coordination Center, while Dr. Rajan Bhattarai praised his ideological clarity, organizational dedication, and courage to take on hard tasks. Bhattarai also noted Nepal’s ability to create change while in government, including through new initiatives during his ministerial tenure.

Leader Nepal, who had escaped prison in 2033 BS and lived an underground political life until 2046 BS, is remembered as a man of principle, humility, and literary boldness—a rebel in words and a statesman in action.