Arghakhanchi, June 17 -- Dhundiraj Shastri, a veteran Nepali Congress leader, former minister, and prominent socialist thinker, passed away early Monday morning at the age of 90.

He breathed his last while undergoing treatment at Kathmandu Medical College, Sinamangal, Kathmandu.

Shastri is survived by his wife, two sons, and two daughters. According to family members, his final rites will be held after the arrival of his sons, who are currently abroad.

Born in 1936 in Nimdanda, Bhumikasthan Municipality-8 of Arghakhanchi district, Shastri had a long and influential political career.

He was elected to the House of Representatives from Arghakhanchi-2 in both the 1991 and 1994 general elections. He served as the minister for industry and...