Can Bidya’s Entry Revive UML?
Summary
CPN-UML has appointed former president Bidya Devi Bhandari as its senior leader in a move seen as part of internal power balancing. The article argues that her return may not be enough to revive the party without deeper leadership change and organisational reform.
Key Points
- CPN-UML chair KP Sharma Oli appointed former president Bidya Devi Bhandari as senior leader, reversing his earlier move to block her party entry.
- The appointment comes amid growing demands for leadership transfer, organisational overhaul and inner-party democracy after the Gen Z movement and recent elections.
- The article says Bhandari’s return is largely symbolic and does not solve the UML’s deeper crisis or the need for new-generation leadership.
- Oli’s move is also portrayed as a signal to other senior leaders, especially Bishnu Poudel and Shankar Pokharel, about succession in the party.
