File photo: Laxmi GautamRashtriya Prajatantra Party (RPP)-Nepal leader Padma Sundar Lawati passed away in Kathmandu on Wednesday morning. He was 76.
Constituent Assembly member Babina Lawati, who is also Lawati's daughter-in-law, confirmed his death. He was admitted at Norvic Hospital, Kathmandu on 6 June for treatment of renal and respiratory problems.
Lawati, who hailed from Panchthar district, had led several ministries like Home Affairs, General Administration and Agriculture during the panchayat system and also after restoration of multi-party democracy. People in Panchthar remember him for his contributions to development works, most importantly construction of Mechi Highway.
Lawati was co-chair of the Kamal Thapa led RPP-Nepal, which is the fourth largest party in the Constituent Assembly. Only a few months ago, he had split from the party and formed his own party by the same name.
Lawati always remained close to the royal palace and even stood by Gyanendra when he seized power through a coup in 2004.
Laxmi Gautam