Former President Bhandari takes oath as UML Senior Leader

KATHMANDU: Former President Bidya Devi Bhandari has taken the oath of office and secrecy as a senior leader of the CPN-UML, formally assuming a senior position in the party after completing two terms as President of Nepal.

UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli administered the oath to Bhandari during the party’s Standing Committee meeting on Thursday. The UML Central Committee had earlier appointed her as a senior leader, placing her second in the party hierarchy after the chairperson.

Under a recent party directive, Bhandari will attend meetings of the Central Committee, Politburo, Standing Committee and Secretariat and assist the chairperson in party-related matters. Her role is expected to be presented for formal endorsement at the party’s upcoming statute convention.

The Standing Committee meeting is being held at the UML central office in Chyasal, Lalitpur. It is the committee’s first meeting since its formation following the recent Central Committee meeting.

The meeting is discussing matters referred by the Central Committee and Secretariat, along with the party’s organizational activities and current political developments.