KATHMANDU: Prime Minister and CPN-UML Chair KP Sharma Oli left a Madan Bhandari Foundation program on Saturday without listening to former President Bidya Devi Bhandari’s remarks, citing a scheduled flight at 5 PM.
As Bhandari reportedly urged, “Please hear me out too,” Oli responded in a lighthearted manner, saying, “I already know you speak well,” which drew laughter from the audience. “It’s not just today, I’ve been hearing you speak for years, and I know you speak well,” he added, continuing in a humorous tone.
He also remarked that he knew what Ishwar Pokhrel would say too, suggesting there was no need to wait and listen. “I won’t take much time—I’m in a hurry,” Oli said before leaving the event.
The event was held to mark the 74th birth anniversary of the late leader Madan Bhandari. Former President Bhandari’s potential return to active politics through UML has become a subject of debate within the party.
While some suggest she may take on a leadership role, others are reportedly working to prevent that possibility via the upcoming statute convention. Prime Minister Oli’s early exit, without hearing her remarks, comes amid this backdrop.
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