Nepal's CPN-UML Blocks Former President Bhandari's Political Comeback

Nepal's CPN-UML has prevented former president Bidya Devi Bhandari from re-entering politics, citing inappropriateness. The party also removed age and term limits, enabling Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli to potentially continue his leadership. Bhandari’s plans challenged Oli, who seeks a third leadership term.

The ruling CPN-UML in Nepal has blocked former President Bidya Devi Bhandari from re-engaging in active politics, asserting it would be unsuitable for a former head of state to undertake a partisan role.

In a meeting, the CPN-UML's Central Committee endorsed a statute amendment, lifting the previous age limit of 70 years and abolishing the two-term cap for leadership positions. This change allows current Prime Minister and party chairman K P Sharma Oli to remain eligible for continued leadership, despite his age of 74 and current second term.

Bhandari's inclination to resume political activity was seen as a challenge to Oli, who plans to vie for a third term as chairman. General Secretary Shanker Pokharel stated Wednesday that Bhandari's party membership is now ineffective and emphasized the inappropriateness of her return to active party politics.

(With inputs from agencies.)