Jhala Nath Khanal (Nepalese Politician) Biography

Quick Info

Profession	Politician
Nationality	Nepalese
Date of Birth	20/05/1950
Age	76 years
Birthplace	Sakhejung, Ilam, Nepal

Latest News about Jhala Nath Khanal

05/11/2025

Jhala Nath Khanal was appointed as the senior leader of the newly formed Nepali Communist Party, a merger of eight different communist parties and splinter groups. This role marks his continued influence in Nepal's evolving political landscape as the party consolidates its structure and leadership.

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Bio/Wiki

Known for	Being the 35th Prime Minister of Nepal (February–August 2011)
Full Name	Jhala Nath Khanal
Nepali Name	झलनाथ खनाल

Physical Stats & More

Eye Color	Black
Hair Color	Salt & Pepper

Educational Qualification(s)

Degree	Science
College/University	Am Science College, Nepal

Personal Life

Religion	Hinduism
Caste	Brahmin

Relationships & More

Marital Status	Married
Wife	Rajyalaxmi Chitrakar

Family

Father	Pudkanath Khanal
Mother	Madhumata Khanal
Siblings	12
Spouse	Rajyalaxmi Chitrakar
Children	Son - Nirvik Chitrakar Khanal (Deputy General Secretary of Youth Federation Nepal)

Career

Political Party	CPN (Unified Socialist) (2021–present) CPN (UML) (until 2018; 2021) Nepal Communist Party (2018–2021) Communist Party of Nepal (Marxist-Leninist) (1968–1986) Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist–Leninist) (1986–present)
Political Journey	1997–1998: Minister for Information and Communication 28 May 2008-14 October 2017: Member of Constituent Assembly 2009-2014: Chairman of the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist–Leninist) 6 February 2011-29 August 2011: 35th Prime Minister of Nepal 4 March 2018-18 September 2022: Member of Parliament (Pratinidhi Sabha) 1968: Joined Communist Party of Nepal (Marxist-Leninist) 1982–1986: General Secretary of CPN (Marxist-Leninist) 1989: Minister of Agriculture, Forest and Land Reforms in interim government 1991: Elected to House of Representatives from Ilam constituency 1994: Re-elected to House of Representatives from Ilam constituency 2008–February 2009: General Secretary of CPN (UML) 16 February 2009–2010: Chairman of CPN (UML) 28 May 2008–13 October 2017: Member of 1st Constituent Assembly 3 February 2011–29 August 2011: 35th Prime Minister of Nepal 19 November 2013–13 October 2017: Member of 2nd Constituent Assembly
Notable Events	Joined the Communist Party of Nepal (Marxist-Leninist) post-education and became General Secretary (1982-1986). Participated in pro-democracy protests in 1990 and 2006, contributing to the abolition of the monarchy in 2008. Elected Prime Minister after a political deadlock, securing 368 votes in a 601-member parliament. Resigned from the premiership after facing challenges in drafting the constitution and completing peace processes. Joined the Communist Party of Nepal (Marxist-Leninist) in 1968 and became General Secretary at age 33 (1982–1986). Spent seven years in jail and remained underground for 12 years during political repression. Elected Prime Minister on 3 February 2011 after seven months of political deadlock, securing 368 votes in a 601-member parliament. Served as Prime Minister for six months (February–August 2011), focusing on constitution drafting and peace process completion. Became the third Prime Minister of Nepal after it became a federal democratic republic in 2008.

Some Lesser Known Facts

1. Jhala Nath Khanal joined CPN (Marxist-Leninist) and later became a pivotal figure in CPN (UML).
2. He was active in the political landscape during significant transitions in Nepal's history, shaping its democratic processes.
3. Khanal's leadership during a politically turbulent period emphasized the need for unity among leaders to sustain Nepal's progress.
4. Jhala Nath Khanal was the seventh child among thirteen in a fifteen-member family.
5. He expanded the Communist Party of Nepal (Marxist-Leninist) across the nation during his tenure as General Secretary.
6. Khanal is the seventh child in his family and has demonstrated consistent electoral success, winning parliamentary elections from Ilam district in 1991 and 1994.
7. He served as head of the International Bureau of CPN (UML) and as acting General Secretary at various points.
8. After the merger of CPN (UML) and Maoist Center to form Nepal Communist Party, Khanal served as senior leader, secretariat member, and head of party policy and research department.
9. He is the chairman of the Pushpa Lal Memorial Foundation.
10. Khanal demonstrated consistent electoral success, winning parliamentary elections from Ilam district in 1991 and 1994.
11. He is a standing committee member of the International Conference of Asian Political Parties (ICAP).

Jhala Nath Khanal Politician Nepalese Sakhejung, Ilam, Nepal