KATHMANDU: Former President Bidya Devi Bhandari, who is making moves to return to politics, shared the stage with party chairman KP Sharma Oli at a book launch event on Monday.
The ceremony, held at the Rastriya Sabha Griha, marked the release of KP Sharma Oli: Dreams, Struggles, and Resolutions, edited by journalist Ganesh Pandey.
Bhandari’s presence alongside Oli and UML General Secretary Shankar Pokharel has been seen as a significant political signal. It comes at a time when UML leaders, including Vice Chair Bishnu Paudel and several secretaries, are reportedly working to reintegrate her into the party leadership.
Within UML, discussions are intensifying over future leadership. While Pokharel is considered Oli’s likely successor, there is also growing support for Bhandari’s leadership, with third-tier leaders like Gokul Baskota and Karna Bahadur Thapa advocating for her return.
Some believe that if Bhandari takes charge, it could lead to a broader communist unification, possibly involving Maoist Centre leader Pushpa Kamal Dahal and Unified Socialist leader Madhav Kumar Nepal.
Meanwhile, journalist Ganesh Pandey, the book’s editor, has recently been appointed as the secretary of UML’s Publicity Department. His nomination comes just ahead of Press Chautari’s general convention in Biratnagar, where he is a contender for the chairmanship.
The book KP Sharma Oli: Dreams, Struggles, and Resolutions explores Oli’s journey in politics, his leadership, and his vision for Nepal’s development. It includes contributions from politicians, economists, and social figures and has been published by Alchemy Publication.
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