KATHMANDU: Former President Bidya Devi Bhandari has stated that there is no justification for revoking her membership in the CPN-UML, asserting her longstanding commitment to the party.
Speaking at a press conference on Friday, Bhandari said, “It has been 45 years since I became a member of the party. This fact is as clear as daylight. There is no reason to strip me of my membership.”
She further said, “The recent decision, which undermines both the rule of law and party values—as well as my individual freedom—has deeply hurt me. Such actions will only harm the party in the long run. Even if the truth can be suppressed for a time, it cannot be hidden forever. This is the essence of democracy.”
Former President Bhandari reiterated that she had first formally joined the party 34 years ago, and now her involvement spans 45 years.
“Depriving me of party membership despite my continued commitment to party principles is simply unacceptable,” she added.
Bhandari confirmed that she had legally renewed her membership with the CPN-UML, and emphasized that she had done so with the intention of becoming politically active again.
“I renewed my membership in accordance with party procedures,” she explained. “Though I hadn’t publicly announced it, the media reported on it. In that context, I felt it would be inappropriate to stay silent. I decided to reengage in party politics by renewing my membership during the 74th birth anniversary of Madan Bhandari, keeping in mind the necessity of contributing to the party and the nation.”
Former President Bhandari further stated that she was not driven by personal ambition or greed for power adding that she has already held the country’s highest office and now wishes to dedicate herself to politics and national prosperity.
“I was elected President because I fulfilled my responsibilities,” she said. “I have no greed. I have already reached the highest position in the nation and made my mark. My only goal now is to serve the people through politics and contribute to the country’s development.”
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