KATHMANDU, July 24: Former Prime Minister and Chairman of the CPN (Maoist Center), Pushpa Kamal Dahal, has criticized the CPN-UML for obstructing former President Bidya Devi Bhandari’s return to active politics, calling it a ‘mistake’.
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday during a program in Kathmandu, Dahal said, “It’s wrong to block her political comeback. We’ve already appointed former Vice President Nanda Bahadur Pun as the party’s vice chair.”
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Former President Bhandari had announced her return to active politics on June 28. However, the UML has reportedly prevented her comeback by not renewing her membership in the organized party. Bhandari, who served two terms as president after stepping down as UML vice-chair, appears dissatisfied with the party’s stance.
She has discussed the matter with UML Chair KP Sharma Oli, but he, who is focused on retaining leadership for the third time, is said to be strategizing to block Bhandari through the party statute itself. As a result, a power struggle seems to be intensifying between Oli and Bhandari, with both entering a phase of political confrontation. Bhandari, determined not to back down, has even warned Oli against engaging in factional politics.
Dhahal's response addressed the current situation, describing it as a mistake by UML and expressing support for Bhandari. The ruling Nepali Congress, which is the largest party in parliament, opposes the idea of allowing a former president to re-enter active party politics. Other parties seem to have a similar stance.
However, Dahal, whose Maoist Center currently serves as the main opposition in parliament, has taken a different stance. The party had earlier appointed Nanda Bahadur Pun as vice-chair after he resigned from the vice presidency, reflecting its belief that there is no legal barrier preventing former presidents or vice presidents from returning to politics. The Maoist Center has maintained that the decision ultimately rests with the individuals themselves.
