KATHMANDU, July 30: CPN-UML General Secretary Shankar Pokharel has said it is unimaginable that someone who has served twice as the head of state would wish to return to active politics.
Speaking during a one-hour-long training session on Nepal’s politics and the trade union movement at the 12th Representative Council Meeting of General Federation of Nepalese Trade Unions (GEFONT) on Wednesday, Pokharel shared his views on former President Bidya Devi Bhandari.
Life and patience
He stated that even at the time of her nomination as president, he had expressed concerns that Bhandari was not suitable for the role in terms of age and activeness. He further revealed that he had personally visited her residence and advised her not to take the position if she had any reservations, but once the party made its decision, everyone unanimously supported her as president.
"Despite opposition, the party made the decision, and after completing two terms as president, I never imagined she would return to politics," Pokharel said. "But she did not show that level of patience. As per the decision of the party’s ninth central committee meeting, she should remain respected and retire. That is the party’s stance. She should reflect on the party’s policies and decisions and adhere to the party’s system."
Pokharel criticized unnecessary and baseless debates that suggest a two-term limit weakens the party's prestige. He also argued that the age limit of 70 does not contradict democratic values. Referring to the ideology of the late leader Madan Bhandari, Pokharel said party leadership should not appear mysterious or supernatural, but rather be endorsed by the people.
