Deepak Bohara: Rupandehi’s trusted leader from Panchayat to republic

LUMBINI: Deepak Bohara, a prominent leader from Rupandehi and former minister, passed away at Om Hospital in Kathmandu on Tuesday. Known for his work in the development of Rupandehi during the Panchayat era, the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) leader remained active in Nepal’s political landscape for over four decades, spanning the partyless Panchayat system, multiparty democracy under monarchy and the federal republican era.

Born in 1950, Bohara is survived by his two wives, Manju Bohara and Unnati Shila Bohara, and two sons. His elder son, Gaurav, serves as a senior pilot at Buddha Air, while his younger son, Prajwal, works as an IT engineer. Both have recently become active in politics. Bohara’s only daughter passed away last year.

Bohara’s political career began when he was first elected as a member of the National Panchayat (parliament) from Rupandehi. His rapid rise saw him become Assistant Tourism Minister at just 31 years old in 1982. He was appointed State Minister for Tourism two years later and went on to hold various ministerial positions.

One of Bohara’s most notable achievements came during his tenure as Minister for Forest and Soil Conservation in 2010, when he was instrumental in holding a cabinet meeting at Kalapatthar (5,644m) near Everest Base Camp to draw the global community’s attention to the impacts of climate change and global warming. His environmental initiatives included the “Kalapatthar to Copenhagen” campaign to solicit support for mitigating the impacts of climate change, efforts to double Nepal’s tiger population, and raising awareness about melting Himalayan glaciers in global forums.

In his later political career, Bohara scored a significant victory in the 2022 general elections, defeating the serving Home Minister and influential Nepali Congress (NC) leader Bal Krishna Khand in the Rupandehi-3 constituency. However, health complications prevented him from actively participating in parliamentary affairs.

Condolences have poured in from across the political spectrum. Siddharthanagar Mayor and former Constituent Assembly member Ishtiyaq Ahmad Khan described Bohara’s passing as an irreparable loss for Rupandehi’s development. Likewise, Siyari Rural Municipality Chair Thaneshwar Ghimire also expressed profound grief over Bohara’s demise.

The RPP leader’s mortal remains will be kept at the RPP Central Office in Dhumbarahi to allow party leaders and cadres to pay their respects, RPP Central Committee Member Toya Nath Lamsal said.

Bohara’s final rites will be performed at the Pashupati Aryaghat cremation grounds on Wednesday.