Former Prez should not be drawn into active politics, UML tells cadres

KATHMANDU: The CPN-UML has told party leaders and cadres that former President Bidya Devi Bhandari should not be drawn into active politics.

Prime Minister and party chair KP Sharma Oli issued an inter-party directive on Tuesday, elaborating on decisions made by the party’s Central Committee meetings held in Laltipur on July 21 and 22.

In the directive, Oli instructed party members not to stir further debate or controversy regarding Bhandari.

Referring to the example set by Nepal’s first President Ram Baran Yadav, UML urged its members to follow that precedent. “The Constitution of Nepal does not envision a situation where a person holding the esteemed office of President, either during their term or after retirement, returns to partisan politics. Doing so may cast doubt on decisions taken during their tenure and risk undermining the dignity of the office,” Oli said in the directive. “If one acts under the hope or fear of future political prospects, it can raise questions about the credibility of their past decisions. We must remain cautious in this regard. The example set by Nepal’s first President in this context is worth recalling.”

Praising Bhandari as an ‘icon of inclusion’, the party acknowledged her exemplary, non-controversial leadership—both during her time as UML vice chairperson and later as President.

However, the directive also cautioned that a return to politics could invite questions about the constitutionality and impartiality of decisions made by Bhandari while in office.

*”The honourable former President Bidya Devi Bhandari should continue to be regarded as a symbol of national pride and must not return to active politics. Someone who has led the entire nation should not be reduced to the role of a party cadre,” Oli stated in the directive. “Her party membership renewal process will not proceed and cannot be validated.”