KATHMANDU: Former President and former CPN-UML Vice Chair Bidhya Devi Bhandari has remained conspicuously silent on the eve of the upcoming elections, with her absence from active politics fueling fresh debate within the party.
Since the UML’s 11th General Convention held from December 13 to 18, 2025 , Bhandari has largely stayed out of the public and political spotlight. At the convention, she had backed Ishwar Pokhrel as a candidate for party chair. However, after failing to secure sufficient support even from leaders considered close to her, Pokhrel suffered a heavy defeat.
Chairman KP Sharma Oli secured 1,663 votes, while Pokhrel managed only 563, according to the final results announced on December 18, 2025. Prior to the convention, Oli had publicly challenged Bhandari’s camp to test its strength through the vote count.
Bhandari had reportedly been preparing to contest the parliamentary election from Morang, but party insiders claim Oli blocked her bid. Her party membership had also not been renewed ahead of the convention, effectively preventing her from formally contesting for leadership or a parliamentary seat.
Leaders close to Oli argue that leadership is tested during times of crisis and question Bhandari’s silence as UML mobilizes nationwide for the election. “The party is in a crucial phase. Leaders who seek leadership must stand with cadres during elections,” said one UML leader close to Oli, hinting at dissatisfaction over her low-profile stance.
Internal setbacks
Bhandari’s camp suffered setbacks during the general convention. Several leaders once seen as close to her, including Bishnu Paudel, Sherdhan Rai, Bhanubhakta Dhakal and Prithvi Subba Gurung, did not fully align with Pokhrel’s candidacy. Of the candidates fielded by her group, only Yogesh Bhattarai and Gokarna Bista secured victory.
Meanwhile, party insiders say discussions on renewing Bhandari’s membership have not gained traction amid the election-focused environment. UML Vice Chair Prithvi Subba Gurung said the party is currently concentrated on the polls. “She is neither a candidate nor a party member at present. She remains our respected former President,” he said.
However, a UML Secretariat member indicated that the issue of her membership could be raised after the elections. “This is a regular agenda. If she returns to active politics, she could assume a guardian role within the party,” the leader said.
Observing from Baluwatar
Following the Gen-Z protests in September that reportedly targeted her private residence in Budhanilkantha, Bhandari has been residing in Baluwatar. Sources close to her say she is currently focused on reading, research and writing, while closely observing political developments.
Bhandari had earlier expressed her intention to return to active politics and had even opened a contact office in Thapagaun under the banner of the Madan Bhandari Foundation. She had reportedly mobilized supporters across the country ahead of the general convention, expecting her membership to be renewed.
Supporters argue that her silence should not be interpreted as political weakness. “She has not failed to lead a faction. The party is election-focused, and she is waiting for the appropriate time. Her membership issue will resurface after the polls,” said a leader close to Bhandari.
Election role uncertain
As the election approaches, Bhandari has not scheduled any public appearances or campaign engagements in favor of UML candidates. Her secretariat member Rajkumar Rai confirmed that she has no plans to actively campaign.
“She is currently engaged in study and writing at her residence. There is no schedule for her to campaign in this election,” Rai said, adding that she may remain inactive until her party membership is renewed.
Although some UML insiders believe she could at least extend support through social media, there is no official confirmation of such a move.
Family factor
Bhandari’s daughter Usha Kiran Bhandari, who is active in politics and chairs the Madan Bhandari Foundation, has also not made any formal announcement regarding campaign involvement. While UML leaders had once considered nominating her to the National Assembly, the plan was reportedly shelved.
Observers note that the Bhandari family appears reluctant to physically campaign for UML candidates at this stage.
As UML gears up for the upcoming polls, the question remains whether Bhandari will re-emerge as an active political force after the election — or continue to remain on the sidelines of party politics.
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