Khem Raj Bhatta Mayalu was a known Nepalese politician who had a significant influence on Nepal's political landscape. Born in either 1946 or 1947, Mayalu was a member of the Nepali Congress (NC) party, which was the successor to the Nepali Congress (Democratic) [NC(D)]. Throughout his political career, he was involved in various aspects of Nepalese politics, from underground activism to legislative roles and ministerial appointments.
Early Life and Political Beginnings
Born in the mid-1940s, Mayalu's early years are less documented. However, his political leanings started becoming evident when he became an active member of political parties and organizations. Initially, he was a member of the Nepali Congress (Democratic) [NC(D)] before it merged with the Nepali Congress (NC) in 2007.
Involvement in the Panchayat Regime
During the era of the Panchayat regime, Mayalu served as the general secretary of the underground leftist group Nepal Janabadi Morcha (NJM). Due to the clandestine nature of his activities, he lived in exile in Lucknow, India. Following the 1985 Nepal bombings, for which NJM claimed responsibility, Mayalu was sentenced to life in prison in absentia.
Election Campaigns and Legislative Service
1994 Legislative Elections
In the 1994 Nepalese legislative elections, Mayalu contested as the NJM candidate in the Dadeldhura constituency. Although he didn't win, he secured a respectable second place, earning 9966 votes. The seat was eventually won by Sher Bahadur Deuba of the Nepali Congress with 20701 votes.
1999 Legislative Elections
In a significant career move, Mayalu joined the Nepali Congress and contested the Bardia 3 seat in the 1999 legislative elections. This time he emerged victorious, garnering 15574 votes.
Maoist Attacks and Land Seizure
On February 23, 2001, members of the then "Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist)" attacked Mayalu's residence in Guleriya. The Maoists went on to seize a total of 15 bighas (approximately 10.1 hectares or 25 acres) of land that belonged to him.
Ministerial Role and Party Shift
When Sher Bahadur Deuba split from the NC party to form the NC(D), Mayalu followed him. On October 18, 2001, he was named Minister of General Administration in Deuba's cabinet, marking another high point in his political career.
Pro-Democracy Demonstrations
In 2005, Mayalu actively participated in pro-democracy demonstrations. During this period, which saw crackdowns on protests, Mayalu was arrested twice—first on March 8 and then again on May 29, 2005. The duration of his detention remains unclear.
Death
Khem Raj Bhatta Mayalu passed away on September 22, 2023, at the age of 76. His death marked the end of a long and impactful life in the political landscape of Nepal.
Khem Raj Bhatta Mayalu's life was a complex tapestry of political engagements that spanned underground activism, electoral politics, ministerial roles, and pro-democracy demonstrations. He lived through significant periods in Nepalese history and had an active role in shaping some of them. His life is a testament to the enduring and multifaceted nature of political engagement in Nepal. Whether in opposition or in power, Mayalu remained a significant figure in the political arena, contributing to the democratic discourse and governance of the country until his death in 2023.
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