Former President Bidya Devi Bhandari is leaving for China amidst rumors that she is getting involved in active politics.
The former president is embarking on a China visit at the invitation of the International Liaison Department of the Communist Party of China. Her daughter Ushakiran Bhandari will accompany her during her China visit, sources have said.
According to sources, Bhandari's China visit was organized at the initiation of Chairman of CPN (UML) KP Sharma Oli.
Bhandari will visit China possibly in September, a leader, who is involved in the preparation for the former President's visit, said.
Bidya Bhandari retired after having served two terms in office as the second President of Nepal on 13 March 2023.
As the former President, Bhandari has intensified her involvement in politics and social activities. UML had made her the chief guest of the National Women's Conclave held recently.
She has also been honored with 'Ganatantra Gaurav' award by the UML. While these activities already indicate her active involvement in politics, she is leaving for China at the invitation of the International Liaison Department of the Communist Party of China.
Analysts say she is awaiting the offer from the UML team including party chairman Oli and an important role in the party if the UML and Maoist Center are brought together at her initiation. Having seen Bhandari's aptitude to play this role, the Community Party of China may have invited her.
The members of her delegation will further help us figure out her future role in the UML. However, the members participating in the delegation led by Bhandari have not been chosen, yet.
It has not been decided whether Bhandari will meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping. But she will likely hold meetings with some members of the powerful seven-member standing committee of the Communist Party of China.
Bhandari had visited China during her second stint as the President of Nepal in 2076 BS. She had held a meeting with Chinese President Xi and also participated in the BRI Forum.
During her meeting with Xi, she agreed to the concept of the Trans-Himalayan Multi-Dimentional Connectivity. She had also agreed to expedite the Nepal-China cross-border railway under the BRI as well as signed a trade and transit protocol during the period.
Chinese President Xi Jinping visited Nepal at the invitation of President Bhandari in 2076 BS.
