Vidya Bhandari: “I Returned to Politics to Lead UML”

Kathmandu — Former President Bidya Devi Bhandari has revealed that her return to active politics is driven by her ambition to lead the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist–Leninist), or CPN-UML.

Bhandari, who has already informed current UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli of her decision and has resumed party membership, made this announcement during her first media interview since her political comeback. Speaking to Image Television on Thursday, Bhandari stated that while it is not yet time to make a formal declaration, her ultimate goal in re-entering politics is to become the chairperson of the UML.

In the interview with journalist Jagadish Kharel, Bhandari was directly asked whether her return to the UML was motivated by the desire to lead the party. She candidly responded, “What you’re saying is true. Although the party hasn’t yet set a date for its 11th General Convention, this issue has already become a public discussion. My position aligns with that direction. The right time will come.”

When asked again by Kharel whether her political return was solely to take the party’s leadership, Bhandari confidently replied, “Is there any doubt about that?”

Kharel also raised the question of whether, after serving two terms as President, Bhandari might aim to become Prime Minister. In response, she said she remains open to all possibilities.

“I have relinquished all privileges that come with being a former President. I am here to serve the people and help fulfill the nation’s aspirations. This is not the time to say this or that. Whatever benefits the country—that is what I will do,” she stated.

In the detailed 55-minute interview, Bhandari addressed several pressing political topics, including the role of current UML Chairman and former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, as well as comments made by Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba regarding her political return.

Expressing doubt that Oli would seek to remain UML Chairman for another term, Bhandari said, “He has already served two terms. The KP Oli I know is not someone who would insist on holding on to the position forever. He is the kind of person who wouldn’t want to repeat the same exam over and over. I believe he won’t seek a third term.”

Bhandari also claimed that Oli has welcomed her return to politics and that there has been ongoing communication between them.

“I have been in continuous dialogue with him. I believe he has taken my decision positively and has responded supportively,” she added.

Emphasizing that no single person can lead a political party forever, Bhandari suggested that leadership must eventually be passed on to new members of the team.

“I hope and believe that he (Oli) will welcome my decision,” she said.

The interview also touched on recent remarks from Congress President Deuba, who suggested that the return of a former President to active politics could undermine the political system. Oli, too, has publicly expressed concerns that Bhandari’s re-entry into politics does not reflect the institutional desires of the UML.

In response, Bhandari remarked that she is a daughter of Nepal, a country that no longer has a monarchy, and expressed surprise that her political return has sparked so much debate.

She dismissed the notion that her return diminishes the dignity of the former presidential role, calling such criticisms “idle talk.”