Has Bidya Bhandari’s return given new hope to campaign for leadership change in UML?
Summary
Debate over leadership change inside the CPN-UML has quieted after KP Sharma Oli tightened discipline, but Bidya Bhandari’s return has revived hopes among dissidents. Opponents say she could become a rallying point or even an interim leader, while Oli’s camp sees her as a tool to contain dissent.
Key Points
- KP Sharma Oli has moved to suppress public criticism and project control after the UML central committee meeting in September.
- Bidya Bhandari’s return to active UML politics as senior leader has become the main focus of competing interpretations inside the party.
- Leaders opposed to Oli believe Bhandari could revive the stalled campaign for leadership change and even serve as an interim leader.
- Oli’s supporters say her return is meant to keep dissatisfied leaders inside the party, not to replace him.
