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.