Former President Bidya Devi Bhandari has stepped up her political activities after the CPN-UML revoked her organized party membership and imposed restrictions.
With the party’s upcoming statute convention scheduled for September 5–7 (Bhadra 20–22), Bhandari has been meeting various leaders to create space within the party and strengthen anti-Oli forces.
Chairman KP Sharma Oli recently pushed through provisions setting a 70-year age limit, restricting leadership to two terms, and barring former presidents from rejoining the party. In response, Bhandari has mobilized her close allies, expanded outreach to opposition leaders, social activists, and youth, and even opened an office in New Baneshwor to conduct regular meetings.
She has recently met RSP spokesperson Manish Jha, Dr. Shekhar Koirala, Kathmandu Mayor Balen Shah, and several civil society leaders. Expressing sympathy over Rabi Lamichhane’s ongoing case, she has hinted at supporting the new generation in politics—an indication seen as part of an emerging anti-Oli alliance.
According to sources, Bhandari is also preparing a “Plan B” to pursue open political campaigns if space within UML remains blocked. She is reportedly targeting the 2027 general elections by building public support across the country.
Her faction, led by Senior Vice-Chair Ishwar Pokharel, is preparing to present a separate document at the upcoming statute convention. Meanwhile, the UML central committee meeting scheduled for August 29 (Bhadra 13) has been postponed amid growing internal opposition.
Bhandari is currently on a nationwide tour—after visiting Koshi, she is heading to Madhes to meet party leaders and cadres. Observers say she is actively working to establish herself as a new “power center” in national politics.
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