KATHMANDU: Prime Minister and CPN-UML Chair KP Sharma Oli has stated that there has been no official discussion within the party regarding the return of former President Bidya Devi Bhandari.
Speaking in a video interview with journalist Vijay Kumar Pandey, Oli expressed indirect dissatisfaction over Bhandari’s recent activities, including her move to renew party membership and signal a return to active politics.
Oli clarified that Bhandari had neither consulted him nor formally informed the party about her intentions.
“She hasn’t spoken to me, nor sought any consultation. There has been no official communication, verbal or written, from her about rejoining the party,” he said.
The former president had recently renewed her UML membership during an event of the Madan Bhandari Foundation, where Oli himself was present. Her action sparked internal discussions within the party and public speculation about her political comeback.
Despite their long-standing association, Oli seemed to distance himself from the decision, saying any move to reintegrate Bhandari into the UML would need a formal decision from the party.
“She was once our party’s vice-chair. We nominated her as President. But returning to the party after serving in such a high constitutional role is serious. It requires institutional discussion,” he noted.
Oli also raised ethical concerns, stating that former holders of top constitutional offices returning to politics can create moral dilemmas.
“We must consider the political, moral, institutional, and personal implications of her return,” he said.
While he acknowledged that Bhandari has previously hinted at wanting to return to politics, Oli reiterated that the party has not yet accepted or even formally addressed that possibility. He stated that UML would not delay making a decision once her intentions are officially known.
When asked if Bhandari could be brought back into leadership through the party’s upcoming 11th General Convention, Oli laughed off the suggestion, saying no such discussions had taken place.
He also hinted that Bhandari, having been outside the party’s leadership for nearly a decade, might find it difficult to resume an active leadership role.
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