CPN-UML Bars Former President Bidya Devi Bhandari from Upcoming Statute Convention

The CPN-UML has decided to bar former President Bidya Devi Bhandari from participating in its upcoming statute convention scheduled for September 5–7, 2025 (Bhadra 20–22, 2082 BS) in Kathmandu. The party stated that Bhandari does not qualify as a convention representative and her party membership renewal remains pending.

According to UML Central Committee spokesperson Rajendra Gautam, only elected representatives from the party’s national convention are eligible to participate in the statute convention.

“There is no provision in the statute to invite former presidents,” Gautam said. “The statute convention is where elected leaders set policies and frameworks for the party.”

Membership Dispute Intensifies

Chairperson KP Sharma Oli argued that Bhandari had resigned her membership in October 2015 (Kartik 2072 BS) when she was elected President of Nepal, and she must reapply for membership.

“There are claims that her membership has been seized. But she had voluntarily relinquished it when taking the oath as President,” Oli stated on Friday. “Membership cannot be renewed through informal means.”

Bhandari, however, insists her membership has already been renewed. Opening her contact office in Thapagaun on Thursday, she expressed dissatisfaction with the Central Office for questioning her status.

“I have been a member since 1980 (2037 BS). It has been 45 years,” Bhandari said. “When I took the presidential oath, I had already served 35 years as a UML member.”

Party Leaders Divided Over Decision

Several UML leaders, including Vice Chairs Yubaraj Gyawali, Surendra Pandey, and Standing Committee member Karna Thapa, have formally recorded a “note of dissent” against the decision to block Bhandari’s political participation. Senior Vice Chair Ishwar Pokharel has also publicly opposed the move.

Leaders in Bhandari’s faction argue that preventing a former president—who was previously honored with the “Republic Glory” award by the party—from attending the convention undermines party unity.

Some dissenting leaders have filed petitions demanding that their differing opinions be circulated alongside the statute draft at all committee levels leading up to the convention.

Key Agenda of the Statute Convention

The UML will retain its long-standing slogan: “Prosperous Nepal, Happy Nepali”, with the main theme:

“Building Decisive National Power: Our Commitment for a Prosperous Nepal and Happy Nepali”

The political report, drafted under the leadership of KP Sharma Oli and nearing completion, focuses on constructing “Nepali-style socialism” guided by People’s Multiparty Democracy (Jabaja). It includes an analysis of domestic and international political contexts and outlines the party’s future programs.

General Secretary Shankar Pokharel will present an organizational strengthening plan aimed at building decisive national power. The UML had set a target of 750,000 members by this convention; currently, it claims around 600,000 renewed memberships. The statute convention will host 2,379 representatives at Sunrise Hall, Godawari, Lalitpur.

Why This Matters

This decision signals internal rifts within CPN-UML, as former President Bhandari attempts to re-enter active politics while key party leaders challenge her membership status. The statute convention is expected to shape UML’s future direction ahead of upcoming political events in Nepal.