KATHMANDU, June 27: Former President Bidya Devi Bhandari is set to announce her return to active politics during the Madan Bhandari Memorial Day event scheduled for Saturday at the Rastriya Sabha Griha in Kathmandu.
The event, organized by the Madan Bhandari Foundation, is being closely watched within the CPN-UML, as it carries significant implications for the party’s internal dynamics.
Sujata welcomes former Prez Bhandari to active politics
According to UML Standing Committee member Karna Bahadur Thapa, former President Bhandari is expected to deliver an unambiguous political message. “I believe she will give a clear political signal tomorrow. She is prepared to speak in a way that leaves no room for doubt,” Thapa told Republica. He also confirmed that Bhandari recently met with UML Chairperson KP Sharma Oli to discuss her political future.
While Bhandari’s return to politics is itself a noteworthy development, speculation within UML circles is focused on her possible bid for a leadership role in the party—rumors that have persisted since the end of her second presidential term.
In recent months, Bhandari has stepped up her political engagements through the Madan Bhandari Foundation and even made a high-profile visit to China. Her close aides claim she returned with goodwill messages supporting her leadership and the cause of communist unity. Against this backdrop, Saturday’s event is seen as politically significant.
Bhandari and Oli reportedly met on June 19, during which Bhandari is said to have urged Oli to support her leadership ambitions. While Oli’s response remains unclear, he has frequently reiterated that he is “still young” and capable of leading the party for another 20 years.
