Former President Bhandari Could Not Rejoin UML Politics Due to Unfavorable Circumstances: Purna Basnet

Purna Basnet, Chief of the Publicity Department of the Janata Samajwadi Party (JSP) Nepal, has stated that former President Bidya Devi Bhandari could not return to active politics under the CPN-UML due to unfavorable circumstances. According to Basnet, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli was compelled to withhold Bhandari’s political reentry due to strong opposition from Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba.

Basnet remarked, “In the current situation, Bhandari’s return to active UML politics was not possible, even if Oli wanted it. Deuba’s approval was essential, but he strongly objected to the idea during a recent meeting with Oli. Deuba's firm stance even threatened the stability of the government, which forced Oli to backtrack immediately.”

Despite Oli’s internal desire to reintegrate Bhandari into the UML’s political framework, Basnet explained that the overall political atmosphere was not supportive. He said, “Almost all parties and leaders are currently dissatisfied with Oli. If Deuba becomes more aggressive, the government could collapse. Understanding this reality, Oli has temporarily halted plans to bring Bhandari back into the party.”

Basnet further asserted that Bhandari’s exclusion from representing in the upcoming UML statute convention is not a major issue, as the convention will not be electing leadership. Therefore, her absence carries little political weight. He argued that, in the present context, securing the leadership of the government is more critical for Oli than Bhandari’s party membership.

The course of political developments leading up to the party’s general convention will determine Oli’s next move, Basnet stated. Ultimately, Oli’s decisions will shape the political future of Bidya Devi Bhandari, he added.