Former minister Balaram Gharti Magar passed away on Friday morning while undergoing treatment at a hospital in Kathmandu. He was 87 and had been suffering from a prolonged illness, according to family sources.

Born on August 2, 1937 in then Mijhing VDC-5 of Rolpa, Gharti Magar was elected multiple times from the Rastriya Prajatantra Party, serving five ministerial terms during the Panchayat and multiparty periods.

A trusted confidant of the former monarchs, Gharti Magar held several ministerial portfolios, including that of deputy prime minister.

He earned a reputation as a popular leader since the Panchayat era and remained active in politics and parliament for nearly three decades.

Gharti Magar published several books, including Rajyog, Mool, Hijo, Aaja, Bholi, Manav Adhikar: Ek Chintan, Purkha Ko Chino, and Aitihasik Ghatnakram–Part 1, reflecting on politics, development, and Eastern philosophy.

In 1960, he joined hands with Congress leader Khadananda Subedi to launch the “Gaun Farka Rastriya Abhiyan” (Return to Village National Campaign).

Gharti Magar also played a pivotal role in creating the Rolpa district, which was carved out by combining parts of Pyuthan, Dang, Rukum and Salyan, and is remembered as the “father of Rolpa’s development.”

A leader who also studied history, science, Ayurveda and society, Gharti Magar was deeply inclined towards Eastern philosophy and valued political integrity. His writings reflected his vision for the nation’s political, developmental, and spiritual path.

He is survived by five daughters.

Former lawmaker Lekhnath Acharya described him as one of the most honest and humble leaders of Rolpa and the country. He said his contributions to the district’s development should be remembered.