KATHMANDU, Oct 18: CPN-UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli has said that he will personally talk to former President Bidya Devi Bhandari, stating that there is no need for anyone to act as a mediator between them.
The statement comes amid differing views within the party after Bhandari became active in politics again. The issue was prominently raised during the party’s central committee meeting.
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Responding to a question from a central member regarding the renewal of Bhandari’s party membership, Oli said he knows her well and will talk to her himself.
According to a leader present at the meeting, Oli said that he has not spoken with Bhandari recently only because of his busy schedule, but would find time to talk soon.
“I know Bidya ji very well. I will speak to her myself,” Oli reportedly said. “I work late into the night, and she must have gone to sleep by then. I couldn’t call her at night, and today I’m here attending this meeting, listening to your concerns. Once I get time, I’ll talk to her.”
Oli also said that he had been Bhandari’s companion during difficult times. “No one needs to come here acting as her guardian or mediator,” he said. “I know Bidya Bhandari very well. When she was in a difficult situation, I stood by her. I am her friend from challenging times.”
Oli added that since he had helped her in the past, it was now her turn to support him. The UML central committee meeting, which had been ongoing for the past three days, concluded after Oli’s remarks on Friday.
