Bidya Devi Bhandari Set to Return to Active Politics

Former President Bidya Devi Bhandari has reportedly decided to return to active politics within the CPN-UML, despite reservations from the party leadership.

According to a UML leader close to her, Bhandari expressed her firm intention during a private meeting with Prime Minister and party chair KP Sharma Oli at the UML headquarters in Chyasal, Lalitpur. During the meeting, Oli is said to have cautioned her, suggesting that former presidents often face public criticism if they return to frontline politics.

Bhandari, however, made it clear that she has already renewed her UML membership and is determined to take part in the party’s political activities. She is also said to be dissatisfied with how the party has treated her after her tenure as president, particularly the lack of engagement regarding the ideological evolution of People’s Multiparty Democracy and her own role in the party.

“There’s discussion on a 70-year age cap in the party, but no space to talk about Bidya Bhandari,” she reportedly told Oli. Party insiders say her discontent stems not only from ideological issues but also from feeling marginalized during Oli’s leadership.