Regarding former President Bhandari, UML will decide soon: Oli

Kathmandu – Prime Minister and CPN‑UML Chairperson KP Sharma Oli stated that the party will soon take an appropriate decision regarding former President Bidhya Devi Bhandari, noting that she returned to the UML without consulting him.

In an interview with journalist Vijaykumar Pandey on Thursday, Oli emphasized that Bhandari did not discuss her re-entry into the party with him beforehand. He said:

“I am the party chairperson—leading the party. She did not submit any proposal to the party. Whether she will come back into active politics or not—will it benefit the country or not—I’m not sure”. 

Oli expressed dissatisfaction over Bhandari’s decision, citing how former President Ram Baran Yadav had maintained decorum. He added that Bhandari was absent from party affairs for many years and lacks executive political experience. Therefore, the party is not in a position to hand over leadership to her. “There is no environment within the party believing that Bhandari should return to politics. This is why she cannot now take over UML leadership.”

He further noted that Bhandari did not consult on procedural matters or constitutional norms before announcing her return: “There was no discussion about how constitutional or procedural processes work—especially given the dignity of the presidency. What is international practice when a former head of state joins active politics within a specific party?”

Oli affirmed that the party will convene and formally decide on her status—stressing that she only became president after being nominated by the party.

“She did not consult me, did not make official or even verbal or written communication with the party. That’s why the party will sit and decide. She didn’t become president on her own accord.”

He added that the party will also evaluate potential impacts of Bhandari’s return on the republic, society, politics, the system, and her personal life. “We have also gathered information. What has she publicly said? We must ask her. We will make a decision soon—not waiting too long.