On June 28, 2025, Nepal’s former President Bidya Devi Bhandari made a big announcement in Kathmandu. She is coming back to active politics with her old party, the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist), or CPN-UML. This news has excited many people who support the party. It’s a special moment for CPN-UML and its followers because Bidya Devi Bhandari is a well-known leader in Nepal.
At a special event celebrating the 74th birth anniversary of the late Madan Bhandari, a famous leader of CPN-UML, Bidya Devi Bhandari shared her decision. She spoke about how Madan Bhandari’s words inspired her. He once said, “People are like gods” and “There is no such word as tiredness in politics.” These words mean that serving people is the most important job for a politician, and they should never feel tired of helping others. Bidya Devi Bhandari said these ideas gave her strength to return to active politics.
“I am now reconnected as a proud member of the UML family,” she told the crowd. Her words showed how happy she is to be back with CPN-UML. She wants to work hard for the people of Nepal and make the country better. Her return is like a new chapter for the party, and many believe it will make CPN-UML stronger.
Bidya Devi Bhandari was Nepal’s President from 2015 to 2023. Before that, she was a big part of CPN-UML, even serving as its vice-chair. She stepped away from the party when she became President because presidents must stay neutral and not work with any political party. Now that she is no longer President, she is free to return to active politics. Her decision to rejoin CPN-UML has sparked a lot of excitement and some questions about what she will do next.
At the event, Bidya Devi Bhandari spoke about Nepal’s future. She said the country has gone through many changes, but there is still work to do. She believes CPN-UML can help make Nepal a happy and prosperous place. She talked about Madan Bhandari’s idea of “People’s Multi-party Democracy,” which is about making sure everyone’s voice is heard in a fair way. Bidya Devi Bhandari wants to follow this idea to bring people together.
Her return to active politics comes after a trip to China in May 2025. During that visit, she met with leaders of the Communist Party of China. Some people think China supports her return because they want Nepal’s leftist parties, like CPN-UML, to work together. Bidya Devi Bhandari has not said much about this, but her trip showed she is serious about being active in politics again.
Some people wonder if Bidya Devi Bhandari will challenge the current CPN-UML leader, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli. Oli has been the party’s chairman for a long time, and he is very powerful. At the same event, Oli spoke and said that CPN-UML is strong and will not fall apart. He also said that neither he nor Bidya Devi Bhandari would do anything to hurt the party. This suggests they might work together, but no one is sure yet.
Bidya Devi Bhandari said she has no big personal goals. “I just want to serve the country and its people,” she explained. This makes her message simple and clear, even for young students to understand. She wants to help Nepal grow stronger and make life better for everyone. Her words show that she cares about the people, just like Madan Bhandari did.
The UML family is excited about her return. Many party members see her as a leader who can bring new energy to CPN-UML. Some even think she could help unite other leftist parties in Nepal, like the CPN (Maoist Centre). This could make the leftist groups stronger and help them win more support in future elections.
However, not everyone agrees on what Bidya Devi Bhandari’s return means. Some people think it could cause problems within CPN-UML if she and Oli don’t agree on who should lead. Others believe her experience as former President and her connection to Madan Bhandari’s ideas make her the perfect person to lead the party forward.
The event in Kathmandu was organized by the Madan Bhandari Foundation. It was a day to remember Madan Bhandari, who was a beloved leader in Nepal until his death in 1993. Bidya Devi Bhandari used this moment to share her plans and connect with the party’s supporters. She also gave out the Madan Bhandari National Award to a tourism businessman named Angchiring Sherpa, showing her support for people who help Nepal grow.
Bidya Devi Bhandari’s return to active politics is big news in Nepal. Her words about serving the people and never giving up remind everyone of Madan Bhandari’s teachings. As a former President and a proud member of the UML family, she brings hope to many. Her next steps will be closely watched, as people wonder if she will take a big leadership role or work alongside Oli to make CPN-UML stronger.
For now, Bidya Devi Bhandari is focused on helping Nepal. She wants to make sure the country moves forward with fairness and equality. Her return to CPN-UML is a chance for her to keep working for the people, just as she promised. Whether she becomes the party’s leader or supports it in other ways, her presence in active politics is sure to make a difference.
This news is exciting for CPN-UML supporters and for anyone who cares about Nepal’s future. Bidya Devi Bhandari’s decision to rejoin the UML family shows her love for her country and her determination to keep working hard. As Nepal looks ahead, her leadership and ideas will play a big role in shaping what comes next.
Comments
0