Born in Dhikurpokhari, Kaski District, Nepal
Pushpa Kamal Dahal
पुष्पकमल दाहाल
Also known as Prachanda
Former Maoist rebel commander who led Nepal's decade-long civil war before becoming Prime Minister of Nepal three times (2008–09, 2016–17, 2022–24)
About
Pushpa Kamal Dahal was born into a poor farming family. As a young agriculture student, he was drawn into communist politics. In 1996, he went underground to lead the Maoist insurgency. Over a decade of civil war, he transformed a small rebel group into one of South Asia’s most formidable, powerful and hard-to-deal-with, armed movements.
After the 2006 peace accord, the Maoists entered mainstream politics. Dahal became Nepal’s first Prime Minister of the federal republic era. He later served two further terms in coalition governments.
Quick facts
- Born
- 1954-12-11
- Birthplace
- Dhikurpokhari, Kaski District, Nepal
- Profession
- Politician, Former guerrilla commander
- Nationality
- Nepal
- Status
- Alive
Previous roles
Prime Minister of Nepal
Government of Nepal · 2022-12-25–2024-07-15
Prime Minister of Nepal
Government of Nepal · 2016-08-04–2017-06-07
Prime Minister of Nepal
Government of Nepal · 2008-08-18–2009-05-25
Supreme Commander, Maoist People's Liberation Army
Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) · 1996–2006
Career & life timeline
- 1954-12-11
- 1996-02-13
Launched the Maoist insurgency (Nepalese Civil War) against the monarchy
- 2006-11
Signed the Comprehensive Peace Accord, ending the civil war
- 2008-08-18
Became Prime Minister of Nepal for the first time
- 2022-12-25
Became Prime Minister for a third term
- 2024-07-15
Lost a confidence vote and left office as Prime Minister
Achievements
Led the decade-long Maoist insurgency that ended Nepal's monarchy
Signed the Comprehensive Peace Accord, ending Nepal's civil war
2006Became Nepal's first Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic
2008
Organizations & affiliations
- Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist Centre)
Related people
Last updated: 2026-09-02