Oli Clarifies: Former President Bhandari No Longer a UML Member, Renewal Not Possible

Kathmandu – CPN-UML Chairperson and Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has clarified that former President Bidya Devi Bhandari’s party membership cannot be renewed.

Addressing a party induction program held at the party’s central office in Chyasal on Friday, Chair Oli stated that Bhandari had voluntarily renounced her party membership before assuming the responsibility of the presidency. “The party did not revoke the former president’s membership; she herself gave it up,” said Oli.

He further clarified that after completing her term as president, Bhandari did not apply for renewal of her UML membership nor did she hold any discussions with the party regarding it. “Membership cannot be renewed if one doesn’t hold it in the first place,” Oli added. “Obtaining a receipt by misleading party staff doesn’t make someone a member.”

Oli also remarked that he had never imagined someone who had been made president twice by the party would return and cause problems within the party. Furthermore, he indirectly accused Bhandari of gathering individuals who lost in elections and engaging in activities against the party.