KATHMANDU, June 27 :Former President Bidya Devi Bhandari is set to deliver a significant political address this Saturday on the occasion of the 74th birth anniversary of late CPN-UML leader Madan Bhandari. The event, to be held at the National Assembly Hall, will also be attended by Prime Minister and UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli.
Bhandari, who will be the special guest at the program, is expected to formally re-enter active politics and speak on the current political situation. Leaders close to her say she may announce her return to the UML during the event, which is being viewed as a turning point in her political journey.
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Although there was earlier speculation that PM Oli might not attend due to growing distance between the two leaders, his press advisor Ramsharan Bajgain confirmed that Oli will attend the event and deliver a speech before leaving for an official visit to Spain later that day. Prime Minister Oli is scheduled to lead the Nepali delegation at the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development, being held from June 29 to July 2 in Spain.
The announcement by Bhandari comes at a time when internal discussions within UML are ongoing about reinstating the previously suspended age cap of 70 years in the party statute. Her re-entry into politics is being seen as a major development.
Usha Kiran Bhandari, Chair of the Madan Bhandari Foundation, said the event was scheduled based on the prime minister’s availability and confirmed that he would deliver a brief address before departing for his trip.
As speculation mounts about Bhandari’s potential role in the party, her speech on Saturday is being considered politically significant.
