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KATHMANDU, June 18: Former President Bidya Devi Bhandari met with Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli on Tuesday evening at the PM’s official residence in Baluwatar.
The meeting comes at a time when Bhandari has been signaling a return to active politics within the CPN-UML, the party led by Oli. It was their first meeting in a long time.
PM Deuba and former PMs Oli and Dahal meet at Baluwatar
According to sources, the two discussed current political developments in the country. However, Bhandari's personal secretary, Rajkumar Rai, said he was unaware of the meeting, stating, "I left early today, so I don't have details about this."
Bhandari, who has expressed interest in rejoining party politics, has recently been seen as gradually posing a challenge to Oli’s leadership. UML leaders are reportedly eager to bring her back into the party fold.
After returning from a visit to China, Bhandari traveled to Koshi Province, where she met with UML leaders and cadres. During her recent China trip, she represented herself in the capacity of a UML leader and discussed Nepal’s political ideology—particularly People's Multiparty Democracy, a doctrine championed by her late husband Madan Bhandari—with Chinese officials.
As Bhandari toured eastern districts and engaged with party workers, Oli expressed growing dissatisfaction in Kathmandu. He warned party members not to "throw stones from outside the party" before the upcoming General Convention.
