Himal Press 
This combo photo shows former President Bhandari and the building rented by her team.
KATHMANDU: Former President Bidya Devi Bhandari is ramping up her political engagement despite the CPN-UML’s decision not to renew her party membership.
UML blocked her return to active politics by not renewing her party membership by stating that the former head of state should remain apolitical. Undeterred by the decision, Bhandari, who was the party’s Vice Chairperson before she was elected to the position of President, is increasing her activities through the Madan Bhandari Foundation.
The Foundation has rented a four-storied building in Thapagaun, Kathmandu, owned by Bidur Mainali, a former deputy mayor of Kathmandu, as part of her strategy to return to active politics. According to Mainali, late Madan Bhandari had used the house as his office while contesting the 1991 House of Representatives election. “I demolished the old house and built a new one. Now, the former President is resuming her political activities from the same house,” Mainali said.
Although UML leader Prakash Gautam said the building will serve as the new base for the foundation’s activities, it is widely seen as a political liaison office for Bhandari.
The foundation has formed a high-level committee led by UML leader Dormani Poudel to oversee the year-long celebration of Madan Bhandari’s 75th birth anniversary. Many have seen this initiative as a platform to expand Bhandari’s political reach.
Although UML has decided not to allow Bhandari’s return to active politics, a faction of UML leaders is quietly supporting her activities.
