Oli warns party leaders against siding with Bhandari amid growing internal rift
KATHMANDU, June 9: Former President Bidya Devi Bhandari’s recent political engagements following her return from China have rattled the CPN-UML, exposing deepening tensions within the party and directly challenging Chairperson KP Sharma Oli’s ambition to extend his hold on leadership.
Though Bhandari has not officially declared a return to active politics, her series of high-profile meetings with UML leaders and cadres—particularly in eastern Nepal—has revived discussions about her possible bid for the party’s top post. Once UML’s vice-chairperson before assuming the presidency, Bhandari remains an influential figure within the party.
Since her return, Bhandari has held political meetings in Jhapa and Morang—key districts considered Oli’s political strongholds. Her warm reception by prominent UML leaders and their calls for her to rejoin active politics are seen as a growing challenge to Oli’s authority.
Stung by Bhandari's rising political activity, Oli on Sunday issued a veiled but stern warning to party leaders during the inaugural session of the 24th National Convention of the All Nepal National Free Students Union (ANNFSU) in Kirtipur. Without naming Bhandari directly, Oli cautioned UML members against aligning with “outsiders” or entertaining talk of alternative leadership.
“There’s talk of a new game—some say so-and-so is coming, others mention someone else,” Oli remarked sharply. “But the party has held no such discussions—no talk about who will be general secretary, chairperson, or vice-chair.”
He urged party members to reject factionalism and warned against weakening the party through rumours and external influences. “We must respond firmly to those trying to disrupt party morale,” he said, clearly alluding to Bhandari’s activities.
Bhandari’s visit to Jhapa on Saturday was symbolically significant. She was welcomed by UML Jhapa district chairperson Prem Bahadur Giri, All Nepal Women’s Association central vice-chairperson Menuka Kafle, Biratnagar Mayor Pabitra Mahattara Prasai, party vice-chairperson Shiva Dhungel, and other local leaders. Several leaders urged her to return to active politics and even encouraged her to lead the party.
UML Koshi Province In-charge Sherdhan Rai, Secretary Rajkumar Bhandari and Deputy Secretary Dewan Rai accompanied Bhandari during her travels. She also inaugurated the Koshi Province-level Science and Technology Exhibition and held informal discussions with local leaders and cadres.
Notably, several leaders previously sidelined by the Oli faction, such as former parliamentarian Pabitra Kharel and Youth Association Nepal Central Member Rojina Pandey attended meetings with Bhandari—further signaling a consolidation of forces around her.
Party insiders say Oli was angered by Bhandari’s activities, especially in his home district of Jhapa. Her visible support from influential leaders and the growing demand for her return to party leadership are being interpreted as a direct threat to Oli's plans to retain the chairmanship unchallenged during the next party convention.
At the ANNFSU event, Oli also emphasized youth leadership, discipline and unity within UML. He denounced violence, urged student leaders to conduct themselves responsibly and stressed that ANNFSU should represent civility. He dismissed speculation of internal discord, saying, “Whenever you hear talk of factions or groups, respond clearly that it should not happen.”
In an apparent attempt to reassert control and deflect criticism, Oli claimed the ruling coalition remains united and promised that power would be handed over to the Nepali Congress after 13 months, as agreed.
However, Bhandari’s growing presence and her soft re-entry into party dynamics appear to mark the beginning of an internal power struggle within UML—one that could reshape its leadership equation ahead of the next general convention.