KATHMANDU: Former President Bidya Devi Bhandari has said that the controversial dissolution of Parliament during her term continues to follow her, though she claims she only acted on the Cabinet’s recommendations.
Speaking at a press conference organized in Kathmandu on Tuesday by the Madan Bhandari Foundation on the occasion of the late leader’s 75th birth anniversary, Bhandari said she plans to remain active in the CPN-UML and serve the country through the party. However, she clarified that her role within the party will be decided by its Central Committee.
She added that since the party’s national convention hasn’t taken place yet, the current Central Committee holds the highest authority and will determine where and how she will be involved in the UML’s organizational structure.
On the issue of Parliament dissolution, Bhandari said she is aware that the matter still trails her. “The issue of parliament dissolution keeps coming back, whether from 2017, 2051 \[BS], or during my presidency. Two dissolutions happened when I was President,” she said. “But I only implemented the decisions of the executive cabinet. There was no external pressure.”
As President, Bhandari had endorsed Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s recommendations to dissolve the House of Representatives twice—in Poush 2077 BS and again in Jestha 2078. Both decisions were later overturned by the Supreme Court.
Referring to these events, she said: “If you want to discuss this, there are political, constitutional, and historical aspects to it—like what should have been done to provide a way forward for the country. But I want to clarify that I acted based on constitutional procedures, not under any pressure.”
During the event, the Madan Bhandari Foundation also announced the formation of a main organizing committee under the patronage of former President Bhandari and coordination of former Bagmati Chief Minister Dormani Poudel to celebrate Madan Bhandari’s birth anniversary throughout 2082 BS and 2083 BS. The celebrations will include debates, quiz competitions, sports events, and other creative activities.
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