ENGLISHNewsSita Dahal: A Lifelong Comrade in the Nepalese Communist Movement

Sita Dahal: A Lifelong Comrade in the Nepalese Communist Movement

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Kathmandu – Within the context of Nepal’s ongoing political struggles and internal conflicts within the country’s ruling Communist Party, Sita Dahal, the late wife of Prime Minister Prachanda, had expressed her views on the nature of internal conflicts in a candid interview with a journalist nearly a decade ago. However, she herself bid farewell to the physical world on Wednesday morning at 8:33 am after battling a severe and prolonged form of Parkinson’s disease, according to information provided by her attending physician, Dr. Yuvraj Sharma. Departing the physical realm, Sita Dahal left behind memories of her role in resolving disputes within the party during times of crisis.

Sita, not just an influential figure within the Maoist party as the wife of its chairman but also a compassionate and supportive partner, reminisced about the Maoist party’s turbulent times and how she endeavored to bring harmony between her husband, Prachanda, and another prominent leader, Baburam Bhattarai, during their occasional conflicts. “There were instances when there were disagreements between Prachanda and Baburam, and I advised both leaders to stay away from negative influences,” she shared during her informal conversation with a journalist more than a decade ago.

Her significant role in resolving internal conflicts within the former Nepal Communist Party, as it was known at the time, was recognized by Vishwadeep Pandey, who served as her private secretary during her tenure as secretary in Baburam Bhattarai’s secretariat. He stated that her contribution to the political transformation that Nepal experienced during Baburam Bhattarai’s time as Prime Minister was of great importance.

“It is only when you directly witness your contribution to this transformation that you truly understand its impact. Despite operating behind the scenes, you have fulfilled your role. Your absence will be deeply felt,” Pandey conveyed his heartfelt condolences through a social media post dedicated to the memory of Comrade Sita Dahal.

Despite not holding any formal positions within the party, Sita played a crucial role not just as Prachanda’s wife but also as a confidante, a political collaborator, and a compassionate figure. Even without receiving a formal education, she possessed a deep understanding of society, politics, and the nation.

Sita and Prachanda entered into wedlock in April 2021 and she became a member of the Communist Party in 2028. She had four children, including Pushpa Kamal Dahal “Prachanda.” Despite her significant contributions as a mother, a supportive wife, and a stabilizing force in her husband’s political endeavors, her own existence often remained overshadowed by her roles.

Sita’s passing comes ten years after the loss of her eldest daughter, Gyanu, to breast cancer, and four years after the demise of her son, Prakash. Today, she leaves behind her husband, Prachanda, who has faced multiple tragic losses in the past decade.

Born in Hemja, Kaski district, in 2011 BS, Sita had resided with her family in Chitwan since she was eight years old. Although she did not receive a formal education, she had a deep understanding of society, politics, and the country, which she gained through her involvement in social and political issues.

According to Dev Prasad Gurung, General Secretary of the Maoist Center, after the meeting held in Fungtivang, Rolpa, in 2061 BS, where disputes arose within the party, Sita resided in India for medical treatment. It was during this period that she mediated between Prachanda and Baburam and convinced them to reconcile their differences.

“Do not engage in disagreements that harm the party. Resolve them immediately through dialogue,” Sita had advised. “The blood of the people is shed for us. What is your dispute compared to that? If this is how you behave, the people will not spare you.”

According to Maoist leaders, Sita made an invaluable and unforgettable contribution to Nepal’s communist movement. Her unwavering commitment to ideology, her heightened political consciousness, and her selfless dedication to the party, the people, and the nation are remembered by Gurung. Sita never shied away from assuming the role of a parent, a respected figure, and a political advisor.

Even though Sita faced challenging health conditions due to Parkinson’s disease, efforts were made from various medical facilities in Nepal, India, and the United States to provide her with the best possible treatment.

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