KATHMANDU: CPN-UML Chair KP Sharma Oli has expressed dissatisfaction over former President Bidya Devi Bhandari’s reported attempts to return to active politics.
Bhandari, who has been active in Jhapa—Oli’s home district—over the past few days, has been meeting party leaders and cadres. Her recent political engagements have triggered speculations of a political comeback, drawing sharp remarks from the UML chief.
Speaking at the opening of the 24th National Convention of the All Nepal National Free Students Union (ANNFSU) in Kirtipur, Oli said such rumors were meaningless, especially when the party hasn’t even finalized the date for its next general convention.
“I’m hearing there are groups forming within the party—this group, that group. UML doesn’t need any of that. Now there’s another game being played inside UML—someone is coming, someone is returning, someone is becoming General Secretary, someone Vice Chair, someone Treasurer,” Oli said, indirectly referring to Bhandari.
He added that no internal discussion has taken place within the party regarding such leadership changes or her return.
Oli also accused Bhandari of attempting to disrupt the mindset of party cadres after returning from China and starting her district-level engagements.
“If there are internal matters, they should be addressed within the party. But trying to undermine, insult, or damage the party from the outside is not acceptable,” he said. “No one can call it an internal matter if they’re attacking the party publicly. If someone throws stones from outside, we won’t tolerate it.”
Comment