KATHMANDU, July 23: The CPN-UML has decided to bar former President Bidya Devi Bhandari from returning to active politics, stating that it would be inappropriate for a former head of state to reengage in partisan role.
According to senior UML leaders, the party's Central Committee meeting, held over two days at its central office in Chyasal, Lalitpur, endorsed a proposal to prevent Bhandari from reentering active politics. "The party has reached a consensus that a former President, who has served as the guardian of the Constitution and national unity, should not return to political activism. It goes against established democratic norms," said UML Publicity Department Chief Rajendra Gautam.
The proposal was tabled by UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli and passed by a majority, though three top leaders expressed dissent, the senior leader confirmed. “Chairman Oli clearly stated that former President Bhandari’s party membership would not be renewed and that she should not be allowed to return to party politics,” said Gautam.
The meeting decided to honor Bhandari solely in her capacity as a former President. “There was a strong sentiment that a former President symbolizes national unity and should remain above party lines. Letting such a person reenter partisan politics would undermine constitutional principles,” he explained.
Debate over Bhandari's potential comeback had intensified after reports emerged that she was interested in rejoining the UML’s political fold. The Central Committee decision effectively ends that possibility.
The meeting also moved to ensure continuity in party leadership, paving the way for Oli to continue as chairperson beyond the upcoming general convention. The committee endorsed a proposal to scrap both the age limit of 70 years and the two-term cap for party leadership, decisions expected to be formalized during the party’s statute convention in September.
“The chairman’s path to lead the party again has been cleared,” a senior UML leader told Republica. “Once the convention endorses these changes, it will be fully legitimized.”
Former President Bhandari, speaking informally to reporters at her residence in Bhangal earlier on Tuesday afternoon, had appeared dismissive of any speculation about her political return. “I can’t even imagine that scenario,” she said. “You don’t need to write about such a decision.” She appeared composed and unperturbed.
However, the UML’s decision, finalized late Tuesday night, makes it clear that the party has firmly closed the door on her return. Despite the majority support to bar Bhandari’s return t active politics, Vice-Chairs Yubaraj Gyawali and Surendra Pandey, along with Standing Committee Member Karn Thapa, raised objections.
Gyawali suggested deferring the decision. “He argued that there was no urgency and that the matter could be dealt with at the Secretariat level later,” the UML insider told Republica. While Pandey urged against making a hasty move, Thapa requested time to speak during the meeting but was denied by Chairman Oli.