Himal Press 
Former President Bidya Devi Bhandari
KATHMANDU: The CPN-UML has barred former President Bidya Devi Bhandari from returning to active politics.
According to Rajendra Gautam, head of the Publicity Department of the UML, the party’s Central Committee, which concluded on Tuesday, concluded that it is inappropriate for someone who has held the post of President to re-enter active politics.
In the meeting, party Chairman KP Sharma Oli proposed that Bhandari refrain from returning to active politics. “Although three leaders expressed dissent, the proposal was passed by majority vote,” Gautam said.
Bhandari, a two-time President of the country, had announced her return to active politics with UML in Kathmandu in the last week of June by stating that she had renewed her party membership. She even told party leaders and cadres that she intends to contest with Oli for party leadership. However, the Central Committee’s decision has ended her hopes, at least for now.
Gautam said the party also decided to continue honoring her in her capacity as a former President. “A former President is the head of state, a symbol of national unity and a guardian of the country,” said Gautam. “According to established democratic norms, such a person should not become a political party leader or cadre. The Central Committee concluded that doing so would go against the spirit and intent of the constitution.”
The meeting also removed the party’s age limit of 70 years and the two-term cap, paving the way for Oli to continue as party Chairperson.
The Central Committee’s decision, however, will have to be approved by the party’s upcoming Statute Convention.
