Former President Bhandari: I am now active in UML as a general member

BIRATNAGAR: Former President Bidya Devi Bhandari on Tuesday afternoon visited the CPN-UML Morang district committee office in Biratnagar.

Defying instructions from the party’s central leadership not to organize any programs, Bhandari addressed UML leaders and cadres at the Panchali-based office. Upon arrival, she garlanded the statues of people’s leaders Madan Bhandari, Man Mohan Adhikari, and Pushpa Lal Shrestha.

Although UML’s provincial and central leadership had directed her faction not to hold events at the office, she was welcomed by leaders from the district and metropolitan committees, where her group holds significant influence. Leaders from the establishment faction aligned with party chair KP Sharma Oli were notably absent.

Speaking to cadres, Bhandari noted that this was her first visit to the office since the 2015 earthquake, citing her national responsibilities as president for keeping her away. She said she had renewed her party membership after leaving office. “It has been 45 years since I first became a party member,” she recalled.

Bhandari highlighted her deep connection to Biratnagar, noting that she joined UML from the city, took her oath there, and actively participated in the 1990 People’s Movement from Morang.

She emphasized the need for Nepal to achieve economic self-reliance in order to safeguard national interests, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. “Without economic independence, our nationalism, sovereignty, and geographical integrity could be at risk,” she warned.

Bhandari stressed that she is currently active only as a general member of the UML, describing the party as patriotic, nationalist, and progressive. She added that UML is the right platform to advance national agendas and said she re-engaged with the party after fulfilling her special responsibilities as head of state.