Kathmandu: The CPN-UML has concluded that former President Bidya Devi Bhandari should not return to active party politics, stating that such a move would contradict the spirit of the constitution and republican values. The party's Central Committee, which met on Tuesday, emphasized that individuals who have served as head of state and held the symbolic position of national unity should refrain from partisan involvement.

At a press briefing following the meeting, UML Publicity Department Chief Rajendra Gautam said, “The former president is the guardian of the nation. It is not appropriate for someone who held such a position to re-enter political party roles.”

The discussion arose after Bhandari reportedly sought to return to active party engagement. However, the UML has officially opposed the idea, stressing that it could raise serious constitutional and public perception concerns.

Meanwhile, the Central Committee has also endorsed significant changes to the party’s statute, paving the way for KP Sharma Oli to continue as party chairman. The age limit of 70 years and the two-term cap for leadership have been scrapped. These amendments are expected to be formally ratified during the party’s statutory convention in Bhadra.

Despite the majority supporting this position, senior leaders including Surendra Pandey, Yubaraj Gyawali, and Karna Bahadur Thapa expressed disagreement over barring Bhandari from returning to the party.

During the meeting, 264 central members, including members of the Politburo, deliberated on the statute amendment report by Vice-chairman Bishnu Prasad Poudel and the organizational proposal by General Secretary Shankar Pokharel, both of which were unanimously passed.

The UML also decided to restructure its Central Committee with 251 members, including 15 office bearers and the Politburo.