KATHMANDU: Former President Bidya Devi Bhandari has accused the CPN-UML of creating an atmosphere of fear within the party after she expressed her intention to re-enter active politics.
In a discussion held at her residence in the capital on Tuesday, Bhandari voiced her concerns about the direction of the party. Without naming him directly, she appeared to criticize UML Chair KP Sharma Oli, suggesting that the discussions around term limits and the 70-year age cap were being used to target her.
Bhandari stated that debates around policy and ideology had disappeared from the party, while factional gatherings were becoming more frequent and democratic values were weakening.
She criticized the political alliance formed with the Maoist Centre after the 2022 elections, calling it immature. “After the 2022 elections, we made Pushpa Kamal Dahal the Prime Minister, but we were not given the presidency,” she said.
Bhandari added that she had personally advocated for collaboration among major parties in the absence of a clear majority but felt that UML leadership sidelined her despite that.
According to her, the decision to return to politics triggered panic within UML. “I spoke about the need to focus on education, health, and global warming through political parties. But after I announced my return, it created a terror-like situation within UML,” she said.
Referring to recent party meetings, she noted, “Only Ishwar Pokharel and Yuvraj Gyawali were allowed to speak. The age and term limit provisions directly affect KP Sharma Oli, yet I was the one targeted.”
She mentioned raising concerns during a party meeting in Chyasal about internal democracy and the two-term principle, saying, “When I spoke about the 70-year age limit, the chairman said it would be discussed, but then claimed no discussions would be held regarding Bidya Bhandari in the meeting.”
Bhandari confirmed that she had renewed her party membership and formally re-entered politics. “I was told that the presidency is a respected position and rejoining politics could invite criticism—but I have made my position clear.”
She also revealed that she was already aware of efforts to bar her from attending the party’s upcoming statute convention scheduled for September 5–7.
“I knew beforehand that I wouldn’t be allowed to attend the statute convention. Yet, there has been no discussion on party policy even though that should have been a key part of preparations,” she stated. “In the meeting, only the party chair was mentioned. The convention hasn’t even been officially announced, but his name is already being promoted.”
Bhandari claimed that factional meetings were already underway within the party. “I hear there were gatherings in Koshi and Gandaki provinces, and discussions about similar meetings in the east and west. UML has split multiple times, so fear persists among the party rank and file,” she added.
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