Dipesh Shrestha, Nepal: The ruling CPN-UML has decided to request former President Bidya Devi Bhandari not to return to active party politics. A Central Committee meeting held late Tuesday night concluded that, given her former position, she should remain as an advisor and guardian figure, respecting the dignity of the presidency. Party Chairman KP Sharma Oli announced that her party membership could not be renewed and that she would not be allowed to return to active politics.

Citing Articles 8 and 9 of the party statute, Oli said it was not possible to renew Bhandari’s membership. He further mentioned that the renewal attempt was procedurally flawed, asserting that such a decision could not have been made without a formal party resolution.

Vice-chairmen Yuvraj Gyawali and Surendra Pandey, along with Standing Committee member Karn Bahadur Thapa, expressed disagreement with the decision. However, Oli made it clear that the party could not bring back a former president into an active leadership role at this time. He did, however, mention the need for further discussion on whether or not Bhandari should rejoin the party.

“The current situation does not allow for her to return as party chair, but the question of whether she should return to the party requires broader discussion,” Oli said.

Chairman Oli also addressed the removal of the age limit clause from the party statute, saying it was done out of necessity and should not be perceived as a change in party ideology. “The removal of the age limit was based on practical need. There’s no need to create noise as if the party’s ideology has been changed,” he added.

At the start of the concluding remarks of the meeting, Standing Committee member Karn Bahadur Thapa requested time to speak. However, Oli instructed him to sit down. Thapa had reportedly wanted to submit a note of dissent, but Oli dismissed it, saying, “How can you submit a note of dissent when no formal decision has even been announced?”

According to Party Publicity Department Chief Rajendra Gautam, the two-day meeting concluded that someone who has held the nation’s highest, most dignified office should not return to active party politics. The controversy had sparked after Bhandari expressed interest in returning to the party’s active fold.

The meeting also effectively cleared the path for Oli to remain party chair in the upcoming general convention by removing both the 70-year age cap and the two-term limit. These changes will be validated once passed by the statute convention scheduled for Bhadra (August/September).

Most leaders who spoke at the Secretariat, Politburo, and Central Committee meetings stressed the need to focus on “Mission 2084” and proceed under Oli’s leadership. Gautam emphasized that a person who has served as the President should not be seen carrying a party flag and that this is not just a matter for UML, but a serious issue for all political parties.

The meeting also passed a proposal to form a new Central Committee with 15 office bearers and 251 total members.