Bhandari vows to work for UML even if she is denied membership

KATHMANDU: Former President Bidya Devi Bhandari said that she will continue working in the party’s interest even if she is denied membership of the CPN-UML.

Inaugurating the office of the main organizing committee for the 75th birth anniversary of Madan Bhandari in Kathmandu on Thursday, she clarified that she had been active in the UML for a long time and had become President under the party’s guidance.

Bhandari also said that political parties have failed to institutionalize the system and to establish good governance in the country.

“Although Nepal has entered a fully democratic era, people’s wishes and aspirations have not been,” she said, adding that even parliament now appears helpless and ineffective.

Bhandari also said that although major parties have agreed to amend the constitution, no meaningful discussion has taken place on the issue of amendment.

She also argued that people’s elected representatives should not be automatically suspended just because of an accusation.

Bhandari was serving as the UML Vice Chairperson when she was elected President in 2015.

Stating that UML has adopted the People’s Multiparty Democracy as its guiding principle, Bhandari said she would continue to work in line with its spirit and essence.

Also speaking on the occasion, UML Senior Vice Chairperson Ishwar Pokhrel said since the people’s multiparty democracy ideology was advanced on the foundation of the international communist movement, the party must remain committed to it.