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Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' – Biography of a Revolutionary Leader

Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' – Biography of a Revolutionary Leader
Photo Source: Scriptedinfo/Pushpa Kamal Dahal

Pushpa Kamal Dahal, widely known by his revolutionary name Prachanda (meaning “fierce” in Nepali), is one of Nepal’s most influential and controversial political leaders. He led the decade-long Maoist insurgency that ended Nepal's centuries-old monarchy and played a vital role in transforming the country into a federal democratic republic.

Quick Facts

  • Full Name: Pushpa Kamal Dahal (Birth name: Ghanashyam Dahal)

  • Born: December 11, 1954, Lewade, Dhikurpokhari, Kaski, Nepal

  • Nickname: Prachanda

  • Spouse: Sita Dahal (m. 1969 – died 2023)

  • Children: 4 (including Renu and late Prakash Dahal)

  • Political Party: CPN (Maoist Centre)

  • Alma Mater: Institute of Agriculture and Animal Science, Tribhuvan University

  • Website: cmprachanda.com

  • Known For: Leading Nepal’s Civil War (1996–2006), ending the monarchy, and becoming Nepal’s first republican Prime Minister

Early Life and Education

Pushpa Kamal Dahal was born into a modest farming family in rural Kaski. Originally named Ghanashyam Dahal, he later adopted the name Pushpa Kamal Dahal and eventually became known as Prachanda during the revolutionary movement. His upbringing in a poor village exposed him to deep social and economic inequalities, which would shape his political ideologies.

He completed a diploma in agriculture from the Institute of Agriculture and Animal Science (IAAS) in Chitwan and later earned a master’s degree in public administration.

Political Journey

Early Involvement

Dahal's political journey began in the 1980s when he joined the Communist Party of Nepal (Fourth Convention). He rose quickly in the ranks and became General Secretary of CPN (Mashal) in 1989, which later evolved into the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist).

The People’s War (1996–2006)

In 1996, under Prachanda’s leadership, the Maoist Party launched an armed insurgency against the monarchy with goals of establishing a socialist republic. The Nepalese Civil War lasted for 10 years, claimed over 17,000 lives, and displaced thousands. Though controversial for its violence, the movement gained mass support from the rural poor and marginalized groups.

Peace and Transformation

After intense negotiations, the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) was signed in 2006, ending the civil war. In 2008, Nepal was declared a federal democratic republic, fulfilling the Maoist vision. In the same year, Prachanda became Nepal’s first republican Prime Minister.

Tenure as Prime Minister

Prachanda has served as Prime Minister of Nepal on three occasions:

  1. August 2008 – May 2009: Resigned after a conflict with the President over the dismissal of the army chief.

  2. August 2016 – June 2017: Served under a power-sharing agreement with the Nepali Congress.

  3. December 2022 – July 2024: Returned with support from a diverse coalition after the 2022 general election.

He became Leader of the Opposition for the third time in July 2024, succeeding Sher Bahadur Deuba, under the presidency of Ram Chandra Paudel and premiership of K.P. Sharma Oli.

Key Contributions and Achievements

  • Led the Maoist insurgency that ended the monarchy.

  • Signed the Comprehensive Peace Agreement in 2006.

  • Transformed Nepal into a republic in 2008.

  • Played a major role in drafting the 2015 Constitution, which introduced federalism and secularism.

  • Integrated former Maoist combatants into mainstream society.

Personal and Family Life

Prachanda was married to Sita Dahal, who supported him throughout his political journey until her death in 2023. The couple had four children. Tragically, their son Prakash Dahal died in 2017.

Despite his towering political role, Dahal’s personal life remained largely private. His daughter Renu Dahal is also active in politics and serves as the Mayor of Bharatpur.

Legacy and Impact

Prachanda’s legacy is inseparable from Nepal’s modern political history. He is both celebrated as a freedom fighter who ended the monarchy and criticized for the violence during the civil war. Nevertheless, his contributions to shaping New Nepal—a secular, federal republic—are undeniable.

His life journey, from a rural boy to a revolutionary and eventually a three-time Prime Minister, reflects the transformation of Nepal itself.

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