Thapa was kept on ventilator after complaints of respiratory problems on Wednesday evening and breathed his last at around 10:45 last night.

Thapa, who had been flown to the Indian Capital for treatment, had undergone a successful gastrectomy surgery at the hospital on Friday. He was said to be in a stable condition after the surgery.

Thapa had served as the prime minister of the country for five terms in a political career spanning more than 50 years. He had worked under three different kings and was a firm supporter of monarchy until the first people’s movement.

After the second people’s movement in 2005, Thapa, also chaired some sessions of the Constituent Assembly which declared Nepal a republic in 2008.

Originally from Muga VDC in Dhankuta district, Thapa also held several ministerial posts between 1960 and 1968.

He was actively involved in Nepali politics even before being flown into New Delhi on March 29.

His body will be flown into the Capital today and will be kept at his residence in Maligaun for final tributes.

He is survived by three daughters and a son. His son Sunil Bahadur Thapa is serving as the Minister of Commerce and Supplies in the Sushil Koirala-led coalition government.

Meanwhile, RPP has called an emergency Central Committee meeting this morning following Thapa's demise.