Former President Bhandari’s visit to China postponed indefinitely

KATHMANDU, June 18: Former President Bidya Devi Bhandari’s planned visit to China has been postponed indefinitely due to health reasons, sources close to the CPN-UML party revealed.

Despite preparations for her visit by mid-July, Bhandari’s trip has been deferred, according to the sources. This decision comes amid internal disagreements within the UML leadership, including objections raised by party chair KP Oli regarding Bhandari’s proposed visit to China.

Bhandari has reportedly been planning to re-enter active politics within the UML. Sources indicate that China has been notified of Bhandari’s inability to travel immediately due to health concerns. Both the government and the UML party are reportedly making efforts to maintain confidentiality regarding the postponement of her visit.

China had earlier prepared to welcome Bhandari not only as a former president but also in her capacity as a UML leader. Bhandari, who served as the deputy chair of the UML before becoming president in 2015, has maintained formal relations with the party since then. Her decision to renew her party membership on April 13 has sparked questions about her re-entry into active politics, viewed by some as conflicting with her constitutional role.

Chinese officials have suggested unifying Nepal’s communist factions amidst the divisions within the erstwhile Nepal Communist Party.