KATHMANDU: The CPN-UML’s decision to cancel the renewed party membership of former President Bidya Devi Bhandari has reportedly triggered discontent among grassroots-level party members.
Bhandari, who had renewed her membership in April 2024, saw it annulled during the party’s central committee meeting held on July 21–22. The move has raised concerns among cadres, including elected representatives.
One such voice of concern was expressed during a meeting of the UML Khotang-Kathmandu Liaison Committee held last Saturday in New Baneshwor, Kathmandu. Dinesh Kumar Rai, Ward Chair of Diktel Rupakot Majhuwagadhi Municipality-14 in Khotang, publicly criticized the decision, highlighting its demoralizing effect on party workers.
The meeting was chaired by Deepak Prasad Dahal and attended by central committee members Ushakala Rai and Ramesh Paudel, who defended the party’s position. However, Ward Chair Rai expressed disappointment, stating that the move has been perceived as an insult, not only to the former President but also to the legacy of late UML leader Madan Bhandari, to whom she was married.
“Those who once glorified her when she entered Shital Niwas are now resorting to verbal attacks,” Rai said. “Rejecting her renewed membership, despite her willingness to return to the party, is deeply insulting. Even visiting her residence in Bhangal now results in threats and intimidation.”
Rai also shared that local UML members have begun questioning their own standing in the party. “If the wife of Madan Bhandari cannot retain her membership, what can we expect?” he quoted grassroots members as saying.
He further claimed that during her presidency, many UML leaders praised Bhandari extensively on social media, even likening her to a deity. “Today, those same people are posting insults,” he added.
Rai, who was elected as part of a UML panel in his ward, emphasized that many at the lower levels of the party feel the central leadership’s decision was disrespectful and fear it could set a concerning precedent.
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