CPN (UML) Chairman and Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has stated that the party will discuss and decide on the issue of renewing former President Bidya Devi Bhandari's party membership.
Addressing the party's politburo meeting today, Chairman Oli stated that Bhandari was elected President for the second time with the belief that she would not return to active politics.
According to a UML leader privy to the meeting, Chairman Oli informed that Bhandari's membership has not been renewed yet.
"Her party membership has not been renewed," he said, "The decision regarding membership will be taken by the committee. A lawful discussion will be held before making a decision. This is my personal opinion."
While addressing the meeting, Chairman Oli called for stopping internal chaos within the party. "The party is facing a major and coordinated attack," the leader quoted Oli as saying. "At this time, attempts to create confusion from within the party are unacceptable. This must be stopped immediately. If not, the party will take action."
Prime Minister Oli mentioned that he learned about the President's possible comeback to active politics through media outlets.
"The party sent Bhandari as the President of Nepal for the second time. Now, as per constitutional provisions, she should not return to active politics," the member quoted Chairman Oli as saying during the meeting.
His remark clarified that returning to active politics and seeking the party chairmanship due to external instigation are two separate issues.
Regarding party discipline, Oli stated that those holding differing views on the party's statutes must follow the party's procedures and principles. He added that internal discussions should be held on party-related matters and that speaking publicly while the party is under attack is inappropriate.
.
