Back in active politics as UML leader, Bidya Bhandari says will retain military security ‘as long as I live’
Summary
Bidya Devi Bhandari has returned to active UML politics while continuing to use Nepal Army security as a former president, saying she will keep it “for as long as I live.” Her decision has triggered an ethical debate over whether a political leader should retain military protection meant for a nonpartisan head of state.
Key Points
- Bidya Devi Bhandari has re-entered UML politics as a senior leader while still retaining her Nepal Army security detail as a former president.
- She told reporters she would keep the military security “forever, for as long as I live.”
- Military and legal experts say the arrangement is legally permissible but raises ethical and practical questions now that she is an active party leader.
- The article contrasts Bhandari’s case with former president Ram Baran Yadav, who did not return to partisan politics.
