KATHMANDU, July 18: The ruling party, CPN-UML, has officially begun discussions regarding former President Bidya Devi Bhandari’s political activism. Some party leaders are dissatisfied with her return to party politics.
During a Secretariat meeting held on Thursday at the party's central office in Chyasal, Lalitpur, most leaders expressed concern that having someone who has held the country’s highest constitutional position re-enter party politics could send a negative message.
Among the UML leaders, Astalaxmi Shakya, Pradeep Gyawali, Bishnu Rimal, Yogesh Bhattarai, Chhabilal Bishwakarma, Padma Aryal, and Lekhraj Bhatta, among others, emphasized that former President Bhandari’s entry into party politics was a serious matter and the party must make a thoughtful decision. They discussed whether it was appropriate for a former president to return to party politics, raising concerns about the public perception it may generate.
“There was a lengthy discussion in the Secretariat meeting, and the stronger opinion leaned toward the idea that a former president should not return to party politics. A few leaders did argue that her involvement in active politics would not make a difference and that it was a matter of personal freedom and individual choice. Some remained silent,” said one official who attended the meeting.
The debate intensified after Bhandari declared on June 28 that she now considered herself part of the UML family. While discussions among leaders and party cadres had already begun, the topic was officially raised in the Secretariat meeting only on Thursday.
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As officials continued to express their views on whether or not the former president should enter party politics, Chairperson KP Sharma Oli remarked that there was still time for discussion. As the UML prepares for its second Statute Convention, the party formally opened discussions on Bhandari’s declaration of political engagement.
Although there were suggestions within the party to create a position for Bhandari in light of her apparent plan to take leadership in the upcoming 11th General Convention, the meeting did not proceed with those proposals.
It has been reported that following her return to active politics, the UML has decided to remove the 70-year age limit and the two-term restriction on executive positions during the meeting.
The Secretariat meeting, called to prepare for the Statute Convention scheduled to be held from September 5–7 at Sunrise Hall in Godawari, Lalitpur, will also discuss Bhandari’s political re-engagement and her public statements. “The Chair has said, if necessary, we can discuss former President Bidya Bhandari's matter. Even if we couldn't finish it today, we will continue in the next meeting. It has now become a subject of party discussion. We will reach a conclusion through discussion,” said Secretary Yogesh Bhattarai, adding, “Let’s not rush; we still have time.”
According to Bhattarai, no decision was made regarding Bhandari’s role in Thursday’s meeting. He stated that Bhandari should clarify her goals and objectives for joining the party actively, and if she does so, the party will find a respectful way to integrate her. He also emphasized that since she has renounced all benefits and privileges, the party chair should hold a discussion and manage the situation appropriately.
During the Secretariat meeting, a proposal prepared by Vice Chair Bishnu Paudel was also discussed. The proposal included removing the position of senior vice-chair and reducing the total number of officials. Since the senior vice-chair post has already been removed from the party’s sister organizations, the party is also considering eliminating it. Sources say the discussion is moving toward amending the statute to remove the age limit of 70 years and the two-term cap for the party chair, paving the way for Chair Oli to continue as the leader.
Currently, UML has 19 top office-bearers: one chair, one senior vice-chair, six vice-chairs, one general secretary, three deputy general secretaries, and seven secretaries. The new proposal suggests reducing this number to 11. In Paudel’s statute amendment proposal, the new structure includes one chair, three vice-chairs, one general secretary, one deputy general secretary, and five secretaries. Senior Vice Chair Ishwar Pokharel and Vice Chair Astalaxmi Shakya, among others, shared their opinions on the proposal.
Oli: Bhandari cannot be given leadership immediately
Prime Minister and UML Chair Oli has stated that former Bhandari cannot be handed over the party’s leadership immediately. He pointed out that it is both ethically and systemically complex for someone who has held such a prestigious position as President to rejoin active partisan politics.
In an interview with journalist Vijay Kumar Pandey, Oli responded to questions regarding Bhandari’s political comeback, saying, “At present, there is no situation where she can be handed over the party's leadership role. First, she has been away from party work for many years. Second, the party has not considered or accepted that situation.”
He elaborated on the dignity and role of the presidency, describing it as a position that serves as the respected guardian of the entire country and all branches of the state. “Before becoming President, one renounces their party affiliation and assumes the role of an impartial guardian,” he said.
Oli also noted that former President Dr. Ram Baran Yadav had maintained a dignified distance after his tenure and that Bhandari had also fulfilled her constitutional responsibilities with impartiality during her term.
However, he raised serious concerns about the implications for the political system and society when someone who once held the nation’s highest non-partisan office returns as a party worker. When asked whether Bhandari’s political re-entry was premeditated, Oli denied it, saying, “I don’t believe in such hypotheses and hypocrisies.”
He further clarified that there has been no official proposal within the party about Bhandari’s return to active politics, nor has there been any consultation with him personally. Nevertheless, he acknowledged that since Bhandari has made her intention known, the party will need to convene and make a decision at the appropriate time. “Since she has raised the issue and expressed her interest in returning, the party must sit down and make a decision. But we won’t delay it for long,” Oli concluded.
