PUSHPA-PUSPA-KAMAL DAHAL-PRACHANDA

PRACHANDA

Pushpa Kamal Dahal, widely known as Prachanda, is a prominent Nepalese politician and the current Prime Minister of Nepal (as of 2025). He is a key figure in Nepal's political history, particularly for his leadership during the decade-long Maoist insurgency (1996-2006), which played a central role in the abolition of the monarchy and the establishment of a federal democratic republic in Nepal.

Prachanda is the leader of the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist Centre), a party that played a critical role in Nepal’s civil war and the subsequent political transition. He became the first Prime Minister of Nepal following the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Accord in 2006, which ended the civil war. Prachanda has held the position of Prime Minister more than once, notably in 2008 and from 2016 to 2017.

His leadership during the Maoist insurgency, where his party sought to overthrow the monarchy and establish a people's republic, earned him both praise and criticism. While his supporters view him as a revolutionary who fought for the rights of marginalized communities, critics argue that the insurgency led to significant violence and hardship for many civilians.

Prachanda is known for his strong political strategies and his role in Nepal's shift from a monarchy to a republic. In recent years, he has continued to wield significant influence in Nepalese politics, playing a key role in coalition governments and navigating the complex political landscape of the country.