Former President Bhandari's Return to Politics is Positive: Jhala Nath Khanal

Senior leader of CPN (Unified Socialist) Jhala Nath Khanal has said that if former President Bidya Devi Bhandari is trying to return to active politics through the UML for the sake of left unity, it would be a positive move.

Speaking to journalists at his residence in Dallu on Saturday after returning from a visit to China, Khanal said that since the UML is the largest leftist party in Nepal, Bhandari’s return to it could support the goal of unifying left forces. He also mentioned that one faction within UML is not interested in uniting all leftist groups, which has led to a divided left movement.

Khanal expressed his willingness to welcome Bamdev Gautam into his party if Gautam is joining with the aim of uniting communists.

Regarding the legal case against his party chairman Madhav Kumar Nepal, Khanal said it is a new kind of issue in Nepal’s political history and a matter of concern for all 30 million Nepalis. He added that people should accept the court’s final decision, even though public debate on the matter is natural.

The former Prime Minister also criticized the current coalition government formed by Nepal’s two biggest parties, saying it is one of the most incompetent governments and the people are unhappy with it.

On the case of Rabi Lamichhane, Khanal said he cannot say whether Lamichhane is innocent or guilty, but the state seems to be acting excessively against him.