Feature: Nepal's "low profile" former leader dies national hero

The passing of Nepal's former Prime Minister and President of Nepali Congress Sushil Koirala on Tuesday brought another shock for the Himalayan nation, still reeling in the wake of a devastating earthquake and struggling from months of economic blockades.

A three-day hiatus from the border blockades provided some relief to the citizens, who have suffered immeasurably from a variety of scarcities including fuel, but the latest development following months of talks with the agitated Madhes-based parties had provided a hint towards some stability in Nepalese politics, yet the people need concrete action, not inklings.

However, the death of key figure in Nepalese politics has now added to consternation in the region and in some ways has created a void in South Asia's most underdeveloped country.

Koirala, who was the country's 37th Prime Minister from February 2014 until October 2015, tried his best to keep home affairs peaceful.

Despite suffering from lung cancer, he led the forging of a consensus between the government and opposing parties and helped the eventual ushering in of the much-awaited new constitution.

Following the death of Koirala, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, in his expression of condolence said that the nation will always remember Koirala for his six decades of tireless contribution to Nepal's democratic movement.

"The Nepalese people will always remember the positive role played by Koirala to promulgate the federal democratic republic constitution", the prime minister told local media.

The constitution was adopted in September last year amid some reservations from ethnic Madhes-based parties, with many believing the credit should be given to a committed democrat leader such as Koirala.

"Without Koirala's contribution, the constitution's promulgation through the Constituent Assembly would not be possible,"Unified CPN Maoist Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal said in his statement.

Prioritizing nationality, democracy and reconciliation, Koirala emerged as a national hero for fulfilling a 66-year-old dream of the nation to write its own constitution.

Though Koirala's decision to run for prime minister against he current leader was widely criticized with accusations of "power mongering," Koirala was in fact the same political figure who held no public office except as the prime minister even though his party was in power several times.

Doctor Ram Sharan Mahat, former finance minister and Nepali Congress leader told Xinhua on Tuesday: "Koirala devoted his whole life to the cause of this country and for the party, which champions democratic values in Nepal. He had no personal life or ambition; in fact, he was married to his party and to the realization of democracy."

The former prime minister, who was regarded as being synonymous with simplicity and a clean, corruption-free image, remained single for his entire life.

Interestingly, he did not even own a single piece of land in his name, although had personal assets.

Driven by dreams of becoming a Hollywood actor, he succeeded in being in the public eye by becoming a Nepalese democratic hero after joining the Congress party as a teenager in the 1950s.

While signing a condolence message, visiting Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj stated that Koirala was a thoughtful gentleman with a simplistic lifestyle.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, for his part, said: "Sushil Koirala's simplicity holds valuable lessons for all of us."

Koirala, cousin of former prime ministers BP Koirala and Girija Prasad Koirala, is also often hailed for his role in democratic movements and handled the legacy of Koirala which will long be remembered in the future annals of Nepalese politics.

He played a significant role in ousting the centuries-old royal regime of the Shah Dynasty and turning Nepal into a federal republic in 2008.

An exemplary example of both assertiveness and politeness, he made the impossible possible for the land-locked country, in the face of vociferous opposition and a lack of decision making by key stakeholders at key make-or-break moments.

"It was only Koirala's strength that made hosting the 18th SAARC Summit and International Conference on Nepal's Reconstruction after the massive earthquake a huge success. He maintained a low profile but did a great job," Dinesh Bhattarai, a career diplomat in Nepal who served as Koirala's foreign relations advisor told Xinhua.

Koirala's death comes a month ahead of the Nepali Congress's 13th general convention, in which he was supposed to vie once again for the post of party president.

With speculations now rife about the future of Congress and national politics without the influential Koirala in power, the general population are concerned about implementation of the constitution and stability in the nation. Enditem.