Kathmandu, 25 Jul: After former President Bidya Devi Bhandari — who also served as a former Vice-Chair of the CPN-UML — publicly stated in a press conference that she remains a member of UML and that no one can strip her of her party membership, the party responded by describing her statement and demeanor as “polite and dignified.”
In a press meet held in Kathmandu on Friday, Bhandari argued that the party’s decision regarding her membership was based on emotion, impulse, and personal whim, and insisted that no one has the authority to take away her membership. “I have already renewed my UML membership. I am still associated with the party,” she said, clarifying that she had recently renewed her membership through proper procedure and reaffirmed her affiliation with UML.
Bhandari asserted that, given her significant contribution to the party, no one could take away her membership. “I have been a member of the UML for 45 years. Just because someone feels like it, they can’t revoke my membership — and it’s not constitutional either.”
Recalling that she had taken her oath of party membership from the late Madan Bhandari, who was then in charge of the Koshi-Sagarmatha region, Bhandari reiterated her commitment to working with the party in the future based on the ideals and values of the People’s Multiparty Democracy — a political line introduced by Madan Bhandari to achieve a prosperous Nepal and happy citizens.
Speaking to RatoPati, UML’s Head of Publicity Department Rajendra Gautam commented on Bhandari’s remarks made beneath a banner featuring UML slogans, Madan Bhandari’s portrait, and the party’s sun symbol. He said, “Former President Bidya Devi Bhandari’s statement and manner of presentation were extremely polite, dignified, and commendable in terms of delivery. We acknowledge that.”
However, Gautam also remarked that Bhandari seemed to forget her responsibilities, stating, “She is not an ordinary citizen. She seemed to have forgotten that she is a former president.”
Gautam further stated that the UML’s decision not to renew the membership of someone like Bidya Devi Bhandari — a former party vice-chair — should not be seen as inconsistent. “She forgot that she served two terms as president, held the highest position in the country, was a national figure, and the upholder and protector of the constitution,” he said. “If she were just a regular citizen, this issue would not even be up for discussion. According to party practice and tradition, a person like her should not renew membership through the central committee — she forgot her responsibility.”
However, Bhandari argued during her press conference that her party membership has already been renewed, and therefore, there is no reason to turn it into a matter of controversy.
“As a political figure, I was elected president, and now, after fulfilling that responsibility, choosing to rejoin a political party to serve the nation and the people should neither be seen as unusual nor surprising,” she said, firmly asserting her position. “This is not just a constitutional right — in fact, it was through politics and leadership within the party that I became president. I have now decided to dedicate the rest of my life to politics, in service to the country and the people.”
Stating that she has no desire, ambition, or attachment to any position, Bhandari said her name has already been recorded in history by reaching the nation’s highest office. “My goal is to be a party member, to make the party strong, stable, and united, and to serve the country and its people through politics,” she added. “I am committed to advancing the mission of building a prosperous and happy nation.”
Bhandari recalled that Nepal’s Constitution guarantees the right to belief and the right to association with political parties as fundamental rights. She emphasized that there is no provision, in any article, spirit, or interpretation of the constitution, that prohibits her from being involved in a political party or participating in politics.
“This is as clear as daylight,” Bhandari said. “Since the People’s Multiparty Democracy embraces constitutional supremacy and the rule of law, there is no reason to deny me party membership in a way that contradicts its core principles.”
Earlier, however, the CPN-UML had cited specific clauses of the constitution to argue that Bhandari could not return to active politics, and accordingly decided that her membership would not be recognized. Bhandari rejected this decision, saying it was made in a state of emotional impulse and agitation.
“While such decisions may temporarily confuse the truth, they can never completely obscure reality,” she stated in a press release issued during the press conference. “A party that follows the line of People’s Multiparty Democracy must make decisions through broad deliberation and rational judgment. Any decision that goes against the scientific principle of democratic centralism in party-building cannot be considered legitimate or mature.”
