KATHMANDU: The CPN-UML has decided not to renew the party membership of former President Bidya Devi Bhandari, arguing that her active engagement in partisan politics would contradict the spirit and provisions of Nepal’s Constitution.
The decision was made during the party’s ninth central committee meeting held on Monday and Tuesday. The party’s publicity and publication department chief, Rajendra Gautam, shared the details through a press release, stating that Bhandari’s recent political re-engagement had drawn serious attention from the party leadership.
“The former president, having held a constitutional office of the highest stature, should not affiliate with any political party or return to active politics,” the statement read, referencing various articles under Part 6 of the Constitution of Nepal.
Citing constitutional clauses, especially Article 61, which defines the President as the Head of State, promoter of national unity, upholder of the Constitution, and Supreme Commander of the Nepal Army, the UML stressed that such responsibilities demand the President remain above partisan politics even after completing their term.
“It is unimaginable for someone entrusted with such a dignified constitutional role to return as a party member or leader,” Gautam said.
According to the UML, the party convened a late-night meeting at its central office where the leadership reached a firm conclusion to reject any political comeback by the former head of state. The party elaborated on eight distinct reasons justifying its stance, all rooted in constitutional propriety and national values.
The press release highlighted that, “Given her role as Head of State, a symbol of national pride and republicanism, upholder and protector of the Constitution, Supreme Commander of the Army, and a guardian of the nation, it is neither possible nor appropriate for her to be a member or leader of any political party.”
Despite withholding membership renewal, the UML expressed “high regard” for Bhandari’s past contributions and urged her to continue playing the role of a former president with dignity and neutrality.
This development comes amid speculation about Bhandari’s return to active politics following her second term as President, which ended in March 2023. She previously held senior positions within the UML and had long been a close ally of party chairman KP Sharma Oli.
However, UML’s formal distancing from her political re-entry signals a shift in internal dynamics and underscores the party’s intent to adhere to constitutional norms, at least in appearance, when it comes to former heads of state.
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