KATHMANDU, Feb 28: Top politicians, major political parties as well as members of the public took to various platforms on Wednesday to express their condolences over the death of Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Rabindra Adhikari and six others in a helicopter accident at Phungling of Taplejung while his entourage was returning from Pathibhara temple on Wednesday.
Expressing his grievances over the untimely death of the 49-year-old leader, Minister for Foreign Affairs Pradeep Gyawali wrote on Twitter, “Who would have thought that you would leave us so soon? Farewell, comrade Rabindra! You will always be remembered. I offer my condolences to the bereaved family.”
Prez, top leaders express condolences
Similarly, youth leader and parliamentarian from the ruling Nepal Communist Party (NCP) Yogesh Bhattarai said that he has shocked to learn about the accident. “I am without words, my friend! I will not accept this news! I just want to hear your voice,” he wrote on Twitter.
Minister for Communication and Information Technology Gokul Prasad Baskota also took to Twitter to express his condolences. He wrote on Twitter, “Adhikari was a leader who was forged by struggles. I am saddened to learn that he passed away. The accident has dealt a major blow to the party as well as the nation.”
Major political parties expressed their grievances to the departed minister too. The ruling NCP issued a statement Wednesday to express condolences over the loss of lives in the accident.
“The party has been shocked by the news of the death of the seven people on board of the helicopter including Minister Adhikari,” the statement said, “The nation has suffered an irreparable loss.” The party has expressed condolences to all the deceased in the accident.
Similarly, the main opposition Nepali Congress expressed deep sorrow over the chopper crash. In a statement, issued by party president Sher Bahadur Deuba on Wednesday, the party has stated that the death of young leader Adhikari is a great loss for country’s politics. The party has expressed condolences to the bereaved family, the NCP and the government.