BARA: Former President Bidya Devi Bhandari was welcomed with a 51-kilogram flower garland by CPN-UML cadres at Simara Airport in Bara on Saturday, defying the party’s directive.
Despite strict instructions from the UML leadership not to attend, several party leaders and members, including Standing Committee member Mukunda Neupane, Politburo member Purushottam Paudel, and Central Committee member Arvind Singh, gathered at the airport to receive Bhandari.
Bhandari had arrived at Simara Airport en route to Birgunj. The move came even as Prime Minister and UML Chair KP Sharma Oli’s faction had instructed party members to refrain from participating in the reception.
Paudel reportedly defied the directive, calling on supporters to assemble at the airport around 8:45 a.m. Meanwhile, leaders including former Sports Minister Paudel and Arvind Singh coordinated preparations to welcome the former president, despite attempts by the Oli faction to prevent the gathering.
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