Former President Bhandari returns to UML under ex-PM Oli
Summary
Former President Bidya Devi Bhandari has returned to active politics in the CPN-UML and been elevated to senior leader, second only to party chair KP Sharma Oli. Her comeback has sparked debate over whether former heads of state should re-enter partisan politics and reshaped the UML’s internal power struggle.
Key Points
- Bidya Devi Bhandari has returned to active politics in the CPN-UML after 11 years and was sworn in as the party’s senior leader by KP Sharma Oli.
- Her return comes amid internal UML pressure for leadership restructuring after the party’s poor performance in the March 5 parliamentary election.
- Political and constitutional experts say the move may be legally possible but raises moral and institutional concerns about the presidency.
- The UML had earlier opposed her return, but restored her membership in May and later amended leadership rules that also benefited Oli.
