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POLITICS
#UML Politics

Chairman Oli gets tough as former Prez Bhandari adopts 'wait and see' strategy

According to sources, the establishment faction has been taking note of which central members have expressed support for Bhandari and is prepared to seek clarification from them if they speak out more strongly in her favor.
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By Tapendra Karki

KATHMANDU, July 24: Following the ninth meeting of the CPN-UML Central Committee (CC), which barred former President Bidya Devi Bhandari from engaging in party politics, Chairman KP Sharma Oli has taken an even tougher stance. Oli believes Bhandari’s increasing political activism could polarize, fragment, and eventually divide the party. As a result, he is prepared to act sternly against CC members aligned with Bhandari.



According to sources, the establishment faction has been taking note of which central members have expressed support for Bhandari and is prepared to seek clarification from them if they speak out more strongly in her favor.


Meanwhile, Bhandari’s faction has adopted a “wait and see” strategy. On Wednesday, she held discussions at various levels and is expected to hold a press conference in a few days to make her opinion public. Oli has also increased surveillance of the activities taking place at Bhandari’s residence in Bhangal. “We want to move forward with party unity. If anyone tries to disrupt that, the party will take notice through one channel or another,” said a member of the standing committee aligned with the establishment faction.


Binod Dhakal, a leader from the Bhandari camp who was engaged in discussions throughout the day, said they had not yet reached any conclusion regarding the CC’s decision. “We are still holding discussions. We believe the dispute can be resolved through dialogue,” Dhakal said.


On Wednesday, not only was there a notable presence of UML leaders around Bhandari’s residence in Bhangal, but they were also involved in discussions at various levels. According to a leader close to Bhandari, while options ranging from seeking legal remedies against the CC’s decision to mobilizing public support were discussed, no final decision had been made.


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On Tuesday night, the UML CC meeting cited various constitutional provisions to justify its decision that a former president like Bhandari cannot be active in party politics. The meeting concluded that someone who has held the highest office of the country should uphold and protect the Constitution. This decision was reiterated in a press conference on Wednesday. While the renewal of Bhandari’s party membership was not initially on the agenda, the decision not to renew her membership was made at the proposal of Chairman Oli.


“The issue of former President Bhandari’s party membership renewal and her intention to become active in party politics has drawn serious attention from the party. According to Part 6, Article 61 of Nepal’s Constitution, the President is the Head of State. Clause 2 states that the President is the Head of State; Clause 3 assigns the duty of promoting national unity; Clause 4 outlines the President’s key responsibility as upholding and protecting the constitution; and Clause 2 of Article 267 provides that the President is the Supreme Commander of the Nepal Army,” the UML meeting concluded.


“Being the Head of State, a symbol of national unity, guardian and protector of the Constitution, Supreme Commander of the Army, national pride, symbol of the republic, and the country’s guardian figure, such a person cannot and should not be a member, cadre, or leader of any specific political party. The meeting concluded that such involvement would lead to harmful practices against the people, the system, governance, and the essence of the Constitution,” the meeting’s decision stated.


Releasing the decision through a press statement, UML's head of the Department of Publicity and Publications, Rajendra Gautam, said that the issue of Bhandari's return to politics had drawn the party’s serious attention. The meeting formally rejected Bhandari’s political comeback.


The meeting, while expressing high respect for the former President, urged her to remain in the role of former President. At the end of the meeting, Oli expressed dissatisfaction with Bhandari’s ambition and public declaration to return to politics. He strongly criticized and condemned her and proposed not to renew her membership.


After announcing her return to active politics on June 28, Bhandari, feeling obstructed by the party, had accused Oli on Tuesday of running factional politics. She also announced that she would not retreat from the path she had taken. Her firm stance, coupled with the CC’s decision, has further intensified internal conflict within the UML.


Bhandari, on the other hand, has claimed that her membership was already renewed two years ago. Leaders close to her also claim that General Secretary Shankar Pokharel publicly stated that her membership had been renewed. However, the CC meeting on Tuesday took a contrary decision.


Bidya’s return to politics would harm Democracy: Pokharel


UML General Secretary Pokharel stated that while former President Bhandari’s return to active politics could benefit the UML as a party, it would be detrimental to democracy. Therefore, he said, it is more appropriate for her to remain in the role of former President. He added that the CC decided not to renew her membership for this reason.


“Her involvement in UML politics would benefit the party. Her personality would strengthen UML. But such a move undermines democratic norms and values,” Pokharel said during a press conference organized by the UML’s publicity department on Wednesday.


Pokharel also said the party does not expect Bhandari to remain silent or inactive just because her membership has not been renewed. As the former President and national guardian, he said, it is natural for her to have interest and concern about contemporary political issues.


In response to a journalist’s question, Pokharel clarified that any capable convention representative is eligible to run for party chair. “Qualified convention delegates can run for party chair. We are not blocking anyone,” he said. “But the CC has unanimously decided that KP Oli should lead the party’s ‘Mission 2084.’”

See more on: Oli and Bidya
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