KATHMANDU: Former President Bidya Devi Bhandari’s ambitions to return to active politics as the next chairperson of the CPN-UML appear to be hitting a wall, with the party preparing to adopt a formal decision preventing former heads of state from re-entering partisan politics.
A resolution to bar former presidents and vice presidents from joining political parties, on the grounds that it undermines the norms of a parliamentary system, is expected to be endorsed by the ongoing central committee meeting of the UML. If passed, the decision would effectively terminate Bhandari’s bid to rejoin the party and vie for its top leadership.
During the opening address of the central committee meeting on Monday, UML Chairperson and Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli gave a clear message that former presidents should refrain from returning to political life. He also reportedly instructed party members not to act as spokespersons for Bhandari.
“Why would someone who has already climbed Mount Everest attempt another peak?” Oli was quoted as saying by a participant, adding, “Once someone has held the position of head of state, they should respect that role and not undermine the system.”
Party insiders say Oli’s stance has widespread backing among politburo and central committee members. Only a handful of voices have so far spoken in Bhandari’s favor, leaving her politically isolated within the party.
Limited options ahead for Bhandari
If the party formalizes its decision, Bhandari faces a set of limited and increasingly difficult choices. Her first option would be to quietly accept the party’s majority decision and remain inactive, though political observers say this is unlikely given her recent interviews claiming she has renounced state privileges to re-enter politics.
Her second option may involve attempting to influence the upcoming UML statute convention scheduled for September by rallying support from dissenting central committee members. However, no senior UML leader has yet shown the courage to officially submit a dissenting opinion in Bhandari’s favor.
A third, more radical option would be for Bhandari to contest the UML’s 11th General Convention in 2026 to challenge for the party’s top post. But that too is practically unfeasible if her membership is formally revoked, only party members can become delegates and contest elections.
The final option would be to pursue her political aspirations outside UML by forming a new party. This would require assembling loyalists from across the left spectrum. However, such a move could attract criticism for allegedly splintering the UML, and runs counter to her repeated public affirmations of loyalty to the party and the “People’s Multiparty Democracy” line.
Still living like a VIP
Though Bhandari has publicly stated that she has relinquished the perks that come with being a former head of state, she continues to be seen under the protection of the Nepali Army during visits to the UML office in Chyasal. This has prompted questions about whether she is genuinely functioning as a regular citizen or still enjoys VIP privileges.
State-provided security for former presidents is standard practice, but analysts argue that her continued reliance on such perks suggests that her current role is still that of a former president—not a political activist or party cadre.
With UML on the verge of closing the door on her political reentry, and no strong faction willing to champion her cause from within, Bhandari’s political future now hinges on which of the few remaining paths she dares to choose.
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