Former President Bidhya Devi Bhandari has officially announced her return to active politics within the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist–Leninist), commonly known as CPN-UML. She made the declaration during a special program commemorating the 74th birth anniversary of her late husband and prominent UML leader Madan Bhandari.
The event, organized by the Madan Bhandari Foundation, included a national award ceremony and an ideological symposium attended by senior UML leaders, including party chairman KP Sharma Oli.
“After completing my seven-year term as President, I have renewed my UML membership with a pure intention to continue the political journey I began with the party,” Bhandari said during her speech.
She emphasized that although she had stepped back from a different political responsibility, her commitment to the party and the country remained unwavering.
No Personal Ambition, Only Service
Bhandari stated she holds no personal ambition in rejoining the party, saying:
“The interest of the country and the people is my sole purpose. As Madan always said, ‘The people are like gods,’ and in politics, there’s no place for fatigue. I return to honor his dreams and continue the work he began.”
She also reflected on her time as president, describing it as a period of deep learning and political maturity, further stating:
“Life’s ups and downs have taught me much. Just like me, others also gain valuable experience from the past.”
A Journey Rooted in Ideology
Bhandari reaffirmed her lifelong ideological commitment to People’s Multiparty Democracy (Jabaj), a principle propagated by Madan Bhandari, which she said still guides Nepal’s transformation.
“The socio-economic transformation envisioned under Jabaj remains unfinished. That’s why I’ve decided to return to UML and contribute,” she added.
She believes that UML, as the main current of Nepal’s communist movement, is capable of fulfilling this historic responsibility and positioning Nepal as a progressive and advanced nation on the world stage.
A Personal and Political Rebirth
Bhandari said she considers her political rebirth as having been granted by the people of Kathmandu after the tragic assassination of her husband. She credited public love and party trust for helping her win elections and begin her public journey:
“I dedicated my life to the nation from the day I lost Madan. Since my student days, I have been associated with UML, believing in its progressive and nationalistic values.”
She expressed her dedication to working alongside UML leaders and cadres in fulfilling Madan’s vision.
Nepal’s Role in a Changing Region
Highlighting the rapid development of neighboring countries India and China, Bhandari called them sources of both inspiration and lessons for Nepal. She urged strengthening bilateral ties for mutual benefit and development partnerships.
She also pointed out various barriers to transformation within Nepal:
“Class inequality, regional imbalance, corruption, caste and gender-based discrimination, opportunism, and anarchy are still hindering our progress. Nepal cannot be truly developed unless these are eradicated.”
A Tribute to Madan Bhandari’s Legacy
Bhandari described the Madan Bhandari Foundation not just as an institution, but as a campaign to spread his ideals nationwide and achieve social and economic prosperity. She praised UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli and others for their role in preserving Madan’s ideological continuity even after his death.
“Though Madan’s demise caused a temporary setback, UML turned grief into strength and evolved Jabaj into a guiding national force,” she said.
Bhandari reiterated that Jabaj, Madan’s doctrine, remains the foundation for Nepal’s stability and growth. She applauded PM Oli’s commitment to the national goal of “Prosperous Nepal, Happy Nepali.”
Award Presented to Ang Chhiring Sherpa
During the event, the Madan Bhandari National Award 2082 was presented to Ang Chhiring Sherpa from Solukhumbu. He was honored by Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli with a cash prize of NPR 100,000 and a certificate for his significant contributions to climate change awareness and environmental protection.
Foundation Chairperson Ushakiran Bhandari explained that Sherpa was selected for his dedication to environmental conservation, a value central to Madan Bhandari’s ideology.
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