KATHMANDU: Deputy General Secretary of the Nepal Communist Party (UML), Pradeep Gyawali, has clarified that former President Bidya Devi Bhandari’s party membership will not be renewed.
Speaking at an interaction program on the upcoming party constitution convention at the Press Chautari central office on Saturday, Gyawali said that the party has already institutionalized its procedures, and hence Bhandari’s membership will not be renewed.
He emphasized that individuals who have served as President or Vice President should focus on their national, guardian-like roles rather than being affiliated with a political party. Citing Article 62, Subsection 6 of the Constitution, Gyawali noted that anyone elected or nominated to such positions is automatically relieved of all other posts, meaning Bhandari’s party membership was deactivated at that time.
Gyawali said the party is going through a challenging period and needs bold leadership, which he identified as KP Sharma Oli. He asserted that under Oli’s leadership, the party can face current challenges. According to him, 2,350 participants are expected to attend the constitution convention from October 6–8. If voting is required on any issue, the 2,033 delegates who attended the 10th general convention will participate.
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