UML moves to block debate on Bidya Devi Bhandari’s membership at statute convention

KATHMANDU: The CPN-UML appears set to prevent discussion at its upcoming statute convention on the party’s controversial decision to revoke the organizational membership of former President Bidya Devi Bhandari, effectively barring her return to active politics.

General Secretary Shankar Pokharel gave this indication on Wednesday while outlining preparations for the Second Statute Convention, scheduled for September 5–7 in Godavari, Lalitpur.

Pokharel told reporters that, breaking with tradition, the party will not collect fees from delegates this time. Instead, all expenses will be covered by the central office. “The central party will bear all costs. We will make the financial details public after the convention to ensure transparency,” he said.

On internal disputes, Pokharel insisted there was no division over the party’s documents or ideological direction. However, he acknowledged that Vice-Chairmen Yubaraj Gyawali and Surendra Pandey had opposed the central committee’s decision to deny Bhandari’s membership renewal and prevent her from re-entering politics.

“The disagreement is not over policy documents but over a specific decision,” Pokharel said. “That makes it unlikely to be included as an agenda item in the Statute Convention. The Secretariat meeting tomorrow will decide whether the matter will go forward.”

The two vice-chairmen have argued that the central committee’s decision regarding Bhandari should be rescinded. Pokharel suggested the issue may either be settled before the convention or deferred to the 11th General Convention.

Meanwhile, Standing Committee member Karna Bahadur Thapa has raised questions about democratization within party structures. Unlike Gyawali and Pandey, his concerns touch directly on the party’s documents, making them more likely to reach the convention floor. “Comrade Thapa will have the chance to raise his views at the Statute Convention,” Pokharel confirmed.

The Second Statute Convention will be held at Sunrise Hall in Godavari, with participation from 2,026 delegates and 359 observers.