Former Prez Bhandari expected to announce political comeback

KATHMANDU: Former President Bidya Devi Bhandari is expected to announce her return to active politics within the CPN-UML today (Saturday).

According to a UML leader close to her, Bhandari will signal her re-entry into politics during a program organized by the Madan Bhandari Foundation at the National Assembly in Kathmandu, where UML Chair KP Sharma Oli will be the chief guest.

After completing two terms as President and stepping down from Sheetal Niwas, Bhandari has remained politically active behind the scenes.

She visited Koshi, Lumbini, and Karnali provinces and also traveled to China, where Chinese leaders reportedly encouraged her to unite Nepal’s communist parties and play a leadership role.

Although Bhandari has maintained close communication with UML leaders and cadres, she has not made a formal announcement of her return.

However, sources say she has had multiple discussions with Chairman Oli about rejoining the party. Her recent meeting with Oli in Baluwatar is seen by insiders as a significant step toward her political comeback.

Bhandari will attend Saturday’s Madan Bhandari Foundation program as a special guest and is expected to address political matters.

UML Standing Committee member Karna Bahadur Thapa, who is close to Bhandari, confirmed that she is preparing to speak on key political issues and that her remarks may clarify her future role within the party.

If Bhandari does return to UML politics, it could potentially pave the way for other former leaders—such as Madhav Kumar Nepal, Bhim Rawal, and Bamdev Gautam—to also reconsider their positions.

There is a growing internal push for Bhandari’s leadership in the party to help unify the left. Her re-entry is also seen as strategically timed ahead of UML’s second statutory general convention, scheduled for September 5-7 in Godavari, Lalitpur.

A central issue at the convention is the party’s 70-year age limit, which is currently suspended. Oli, now 74, reportedly supports lifting the age cap, while Bhandari is in favor of reinstating it—potentially to challenge Oli’s leadership.

With senior leaders like Ishwor Pokharel publicly advocating for the age limit’s enforcement, Bhandari’s expected return is being interpreted as a move with significant implications for the party’s future leadership and direction.