BIRATNAGAR: Former President Bidya Devi Bhandari was warmly received by provincial leaders and cadres of the CPN-UML upon her arrival at Biratnagar Airport on Monday, despite the party’s recent decision to bar her from active involvement in its activities.
Provincial State Minister Sirjana Rai greeted Bhandari with a bouquet, while UML leaders including Binod Dhakal and Morang district secretary Somraj Thapa were also present at the airport. Dozens of UML cadres, estimated at around a hundred, lined up to welcome her.
However, UML Morang district chair Ajambar Rai was notably absent from the reception.
The welcome comes just weeks after the UML’s ninth central committee meeting formally revoked Bhandari’s party membership and barred her from participating in any party activities. The decision, endorsed by party chair KP Sharma Oli, was seen as a strong directive aimed at distancing the former president from the UML’s internal affairs.
Comment