Former President Bhandari’s political moves send ripples in UML

KATHMANDU: “Bidya Bhandari will be the next UML chairperson,” “Bhandari is forming a faction for her return to national politics”—such discussions are not only circulating within UML circles but have become common talk in local tea shops. Additionally, speculation about former President Bidya Bhandari becoming UML chairperson and reviving the Nepal Communist Party (NCP) has become a topic of news coverage.

Bhandari’s recent activities and political meetings suggest her potential return to politics. Furthermore, some UML leaders believe KP Oli’s recent actions have prompted party leaders and cadres to seek his alternatives. These leaders consider Bidya Bhandari the most suitable successor to Oli.

Bhandari was in Pokhara a few days ago. Although the visit was personal, UML leaders view the trip as a political “warm-up”. Her personal secretary, Rajkumar Rai, maintained that the visit was not political. However, UML leaders claim that Bhandari engaged in political meetings during her stay.

During her stay in Pokhara, Bhandari attended the ‘Fewa Dialogue’ in Pokhara on December 19-20 as the chief guest. According to her secretariat, the event was jointly organized by Tribhuvan University and the China Center for South Asian Studies (CCSAS) of Sichuan University, China. She also addressed the opening session of the dialogue.

During her stay in Pokhara, Bhandari reportedly held informal meetings with UML leaders and cadres. Rai stated that those meetings were appropriate for her role as former president. “As a former president, she is a guardian of the nation. UML and other party leaders met her in that capacity,” he added.

Bhandari has another connection to Pokhara – Deputy Mayor Manju Gurung is her mitini or ritual sister. The two visited several tourism attractions in Pokhara together and met various leaders. Photos shared by Gurung on social media confirm Bhandari’s political engagements.

This isn’t Bhandari’s first participation in UML events since leaving office. On May 30, she spoke at an event organized by the People’s Organisation Coordination Mechanism of UML. Her participation as a former president at party events sparked speculation about her political return. She has since continued attending UML functions.

Is Bhandari becoming UML chairperson?

Many believe Oli’s role as chairperson has weakened within the party. They argue that his tendency to make unilateral decisions has divided party workers. “Oli doesn’t listen to other leaders and workers in party meetings and imposes his own decisions,” says a UML secretariat member.

Dr Binda Pandey, recently suspended as a standing committee member of the party for six months, has described Oli as exhibiting “Stalinist” tendencies. Former Foreign Minister Dr Bimala Rai Paudel also criticized UML’s recent disciplinary actions.

There is widespread speculation about a potential Oli-Bhandari showdown at the upcoming convention, as Oli seeks a third term as chairperson. At a recent party event, Oli asked members not to eye party leadership for 20 years. “Don’t imagine Nepal without UML or UML without Oli,” he said.

Some suggest that Bhandari won’t back down, even if she has to contest against Oli. She is reportedly preparing to contest for the chairperson position due to pressure from leaders opposed to Oli.

Vice Chairperson Bishnu Paudel and Deputy General Secretary Prithvi Subba Gurung are among several leaders considered close to Bhandari. UML leaders who were aligned with Madhav Kumar Nepal but refrained from joining his party, CPN (Unified Socialist), are also said to support Bhandari.

Political analyst Bishnu Dahal believes Bhandari is firmly in the race for the next chairperson. “Bhandari had already begun planning her return to active politics during her presidency. Now it is confirmed she will be back,” Dahal explained. “Dissatisfaction among party leaders and workers with Oli is also motivating her return.”

Leaders close to Oli, however, are confident he will be elected for a third term unopposed. “UML’s general convention will be held in two years. Oli will be elected chairman unopposed,” claimed UML lawmaker Dayal Bahadur Shahi.

Nonetheless, the actions of some leaders suggest Oli will face competition at the general convention.

Dahal predicts factionalism within UML will become clearer in upcoming meetings. “Leaders will begin polarising into Oli’s and Bhandari’s camps. It will be difficult for UML to retain strong leadership,” he added.

Some UML leaders opposed Oli’s recent disciplinary actions against former Vice Chairperson Bhim Rawal, standing committee member Dr Binda Pandey, and central committee member Usha Kiran Timalsina. “Leaders considered critical of Oli opposed the decision, but he proceeded with it regardless,” a UML secretariat member told Himal Press.

The primary factor driving support for Bhandari’s leadership is dissatisfaction with Oli. Many believe he should step down, given his role in splitting the NCP.

Former UML leader and current General Secretary of Unified Socialist, Ghanashyam Bhusal, feels Oli should now step aside. He accused Oli of taking action against those who merely question him, let alone oppose him.

Some UML leaders believe Bhandari might assume the chairpersonship to either revive the NCP or restore UML to its former glory. They also argue that her successful tenure as president has made her popular among UML leaders and workers.

Analyst Dahal notes that Bhandari played a pivotal role in the merger of the CPN (Maoist Centre) and UML to form the NCP. “Bhandari was also successful as president, as the visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping materialized during her tenure,” he added. “She also aspires to become UML’s first female chairperson.”

Interestingly, Oli and Bhandari were once part of the same faction in UML. When Oli contested for the chairpersonship during the 8th general convention, Bhandari contested for vice chairperson from his panel. While Oli lost, Bhandari won her election.