CPN-UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli has described the earlier decision to halt former President Bidya Devi Bhandari’s party membership renewal as a matter of political circumstances. Oli put forward a proposal to renew Bhandari’s membership during a secretariat meeting, and the proposal was passed. In the previous Shrawan session, UML had decided not to renew Bhandari’s membership, but now that the process is complete, the renewal has been approved. Kathmandu, 4 Jestha.
During the secretariat meeting, Oli stated, ‘The constitution does not prohibit it, but due to political circumstances, we had made that decision earlier; now let us proceed.’ According to an official, Bhandari submitted her application according to the required procedure, and Oli announced the decision to renew her membership. He added, ‘The process was certainly not complete earlier, but she submitted a request to remain active within UML.’
In the first week of last year’s Shrawan, UML had decided not to renew Bhandari’s membership. At that time, three reasons were cited — Bhandari’s roles as the guardian of the constitution, the chief of the army, and as a symbol of the republic. Some officials had expressed disagreement with that decision. Oli had stated earlier that membership renewal would not happen without a formal application as per procedure. However, today Oli introduced a proposal to renew her membership, which was unanimously approved. According to sources, ‘No dissenting votes were raised against the chairman’s proposal, and renewal was decided.’
