KATHMANDU: The question of assigning a suitable political role to former President Bidya Devi Bhandari has officially entered the internal discussions of the CPN-UML.
During the party’s Secretariat meeting held on Thursday at the party headquarters in Chyasal, Lalitpur, several leaders suggested that the party leadership must now be ready to offer Bhandari a meaningful role.
Former President Bhandari, who recently renounced the state-provided facilities after announcing her return to active politics, was a major topic of discussion in the meeting.
According to leaders present, party chair KP Sharma Oli inquired with the Secretariat members about Bhandari’s expressed interest in re-engaging in political life.
Leaders in the meeting reportedly suggested that appropriate responsibilities could be considered after conducting necessary consultations. UML Secretary Yogesh Bhattarai said Chair Oli acknowledged the need for further internal discussions and stated that the matter has now formally become a party issue.
Bhattarai clarified that no immediate decision was taken in Thursday’s meeting, but noted that leaders advised Chair Oli to personally initiate dialogue with the former president to explore her role. He added that Bhandari’s announcement to return to politics had already opened the door for her reintegration into the party.
“This now needs to be settled through party-level discussions,” Bhattarai told reporters, “It was agreed that we should not rush, and the chairman has shown interest in beginning both formal and informal talks on the matter.”
According to Bhattarai, the former president understands the party’s structure and has contributed to its foundation. He emphasized that it is UML’s responsibility to respectfully accommodate her return, especially as she has relinquished state privileges in order to re-enter politics.
“The chair shared in the meeting that he would now hold more in-depth discussions with her to decide on a possible role,” said Bhattarai. “UML will give her a proper place within the party, and Chair Oli will move forward with the necessary consultations.”
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