UML Central Committee likely to decide on former President Bhandari’s political role

KATHMANDU: The ninth Central Committee meeting of the CPN (UML) continued on Tuesday, with growing discussions around the potential return of former President Bidya Devi Bhandari to active party politics.

According to Rajendra Gautam, head of the party’s publicity department, 58 members shared their views during the second day of the meeting, following 49 participants on the first day. With 77 members yet to speak, the meeting is expected to conclude today.

Gautam confirmed that Tuesday’s discussions included remarks on the former president’s possible return to the party, the renewal of her membership, and the process of granting her organized party membership. He said many members voiced opinions on the matter, making it one of the most debated issues at the gathering.

“Many central committee members raised constitutional concerns, citing Article 61 of the Constitution, which designates the president as the head of state and symbol of national unity, and as the protector of the Constitution,” said Gautam. “They argued that the question of whether a former head of state should return to partisan politics is not merely a technical issue, it is deeply political.”

He added that the issue is not limited to UML alone. “This is a significant political matter. It could set a precedent and shape how the Constitution is interpreted in practice. The party must take a clear political stance,” he said.

Beyond this, committee members also discussed the need to restructure subordinate bodies, particularly the electoral coordination committees, into functioning executive committees in accordance with the Constitution. Gautam shared that the party’s membership has grown by around 139,000, representing a 28 percent increase.

Concerns were also raised about the government’s performance and inflation.

The central committee is expected to make a key decision regarding Bhandari’s political engagement at the meeting’s conclusion. “We hope the party chair and Prime Minister will address this issue and make an important announcement during the closing remarks,” Gautam said.