KATHMANDU, July 23 – Nepal’s ruling Communist Party of Nepal–Unified Marxist Leninist (CPN-UML) has rejected former President Bidya Devi Bhandari’s request to rejoin active politics, calling such a move inappropriate for a former head of state.
The decision came during a Central Committee meeting, where the party also endorsed a major statute amendment—removing both the age limit of 70 years and the two-term cap for leadership positions.
This amendment directly benefits 74-year-old Prime Minister and CPN-UML chair K P Sharma Oli, who can now continue beyond what was previously his final term as party head.
Party insiders said the changes aim to ensure “continuity and flexibility” in leadership but also solidify Oli’s hold over the party, amid a shifting political landscape.
Bhandari, once a key UML figure and the country’s first woman president, had informally approached party leaders to return to political activities post-presidency. But the UML leadership stood firm, stating that partisan politics is unsuitable for someone who held the highest constitutional post.
While no official statement was issued by Bhandari, sources close to her said she is disappointed by the rejection.
The developments signal both a tightening of Oli’s control and the party’s caution in managing public perception around democratic norms and leadership longevity.