KATHMANDU: Former President Bidya Devi Bhandari has returned to Kathmandu on Tuesday after spending several days in Nepal’s eastern districts—Jhapa, Sunsari, and Morang—meeting with cadres of the CPN-UML, the party she was long associated with before assuming the presidency.
Her recent activism in UML strongholds has stirred internal tensions within the party. Just days ago, UML Chairperson KP Sharma Oli expressed his disapproval of Bhandari’s political re-engagement efforts during a speech at the ANNFSU general convention.
PM Oli warned against factionalism and suggested that efforts were being made to form “groups” within the party, without explicitly naming Bhandari.
“This group and that group—UML doesn’t need them,” he said, implying that internal maneuvering was underway with claims like, “So-and-so wants to be General Secretary, Vice-Chair, or Treasurer.”
In response, Bhandari, speaking at Biratnagar Airport before flying back to Kathmandu, rejected suggestions that her political activity required party permission.
“I have been working with the UML since before I became an organized member,” she told reporters, “so I don’t need anyone’s permission to attend party programs or meet the people.”
Bhandari highlighted her long-standing ties with the party, noting she was active in the UML well before becoming the country’s second President in 2015.
“It’s natural for party leaders to invite me to programs. I need to stay in touch with society, understand the aspirations of the people—especially the youth—and continue to work for the country.”
Addressing the allegations of faction-building, she said, “I don’t think Chair Oli meant me personally. I have never been involved in factionalism.”
However, she did hint at a willingness to return to active politics: “Wherever possible, I want to continue working. Perhaps the Chair wants to wait until the general convention to restructure leadership.”
While in Koshi Province, Bhandari spent four days in Morang and Sunsari and appeared as the chief guest at several UML events in Jhapa.
This marked the first time she took center stage in party activities since completing her two presidential terms. The events are widely viewed as a signal of her intent to re-enter active politics.
Oli, who is both Prime Minister and UML Chair, had publicly criticized her growing engagement with party cadres, interpreting it as a potential challenge to his leadership. Despite that, Bhandari’s message has been clear—she remains committed to national politics and may seek a formal return to the UML hierarchy.
Bhandari was UML Vice-Chair before being elected President in 2015 and was re-elected in 2018. She left office in March 2023 and has since been seen increasingly involved in political events.
With former Vice President Nanda Bahadur Pun already back in active politics as a senior Maoist leader, Bhandari’s visible presence in UML circles signals that she too may be preparing for a significant political comeback.
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