Latest news with #CPN-UML
The Hindu
a day ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Nepal's ex-president Bidya Devi Bhandari returns to active politics, rejoins CPN-UML
Nepal's former President Bidya Devi Bhandari on Saturday (June 28, 2025) announced that she has rejoined active politics by renewing her membership of the ruling CPN-UML, nearly a decade after she left the party to assume the country's top constitutional post. Ms. Bhandari, 62, made the announcement while addressing a programme organised in Kathmandu by the Madan Bhandari Foundation to mark the 74th birth anniversary of her late husband and former Communist Party of Nepal-Unified Marxist Leninist (CPN-UML) General Secretary Madan Bhandari. 'I have renewed my membership of CPN-UML with an objective of giving continuity to the party's political journey,' Ms. Bhandari said at the function, which was also attended by Prime Minister K. P. Oli. Mr. Oli is also the incumbent chairman of CPN-UML. 'Now, I am reunited with the CPN-UML as a member of this family, and I feel proud of this,' Ms. Bhandari said. The former President's return to active politics comes amid growing speculation about her future role within the CPN-UML. Over the past few months, she has been holding interactions with party leaders and cadres across the country, fuelling rumours that she may be eyeing a larger role in party leadership. Political experts opine that Ms. Bhandari's decision to rejoin CPN-UML might pose a threat to Mr. Oli, who is enjoying "a kind of monopoly" in the ruling party. Quoting party insiders, The Kathmandu Post newspaper reported that Ms. Bhandari could challenge Mr. Oli in CPN-UML's next general convention. Mr. Oli, who has led the party since 2014, is said to be seeking a third term as chief. Speaking at the same event, Prime Minister Oli asserted that CPN-UML was united and warned against attempts to divide it. Without naming anyone, he said, 'Do not dream of splitting the UML.' Mr. Oli also urged party members to focus on the next general elections, scheduled to be held in 2027-28. Adding to the political significance of her move, Ms. Bhandari recently undertook a 10-day visit to China from May 24, during which she held meetings with high-ranking officials. The visit drew attention in Nepal, with observers interpreting it as an effort to boost her political clout. Ms. Bhandari's re-entry into party politics has sparked debate in Nepal's political circles. It is not common for a former President to return to party politics, although there may be no legal restriction, senior journalist and political analyst Dhurva Hari Adhikary said. It may raise moral questions, even if it remains a personal decision, he added. Ms. Bhandari served as Nepal's President for two consecutive terms between 2015 and 2023. She had relinquished her party membership after being elected to the largely ceremonial post in October 2015, becoming the country's first woman Head of State. Before her elevation to the presidency, Ms. Bhandari was a senior CPN-UML leader and had served as the party's vice-chairperson. She was also the Defence Minister in the Madhav Kumar Nepal-led government in 2009. Ms. Bhandari is the widow of Madan Bhandari, a popular Marxist leader who died in a controversial jeep accident in 1993. The incident was widely seen as suspicious, and investigations at the time failed to conclusively establish the cause of the crash.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Former Nepali Prez Bhandari announces return to politics month after China visit; intra-party rift surfaces
Kathmandu: Former Nepali President Bidhya Devi Bhandari has announced her return to active politics as a member of the ruling Communist Party of Nepal-Unified Marxist Leninist ( CPN-UML ). The announcement by the former President comes after a month of her visit to China. Bhandari, leading a delegation of 14 members, was on a 10-day visit to China, where she had interactions and meetings with Chinese officials. The announcement by the former President has invited intra-party rift within the ruling party, which is also the largest communist party in the House of Representatives of the Himalayan nation. Former President Bhandari made the announcement on the birth anniversary of her late husband and former leader of the CPN-UML, Madan Bhandari . by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Direct Shopping From Adidas Franchise Store, Up To 50% Off Original Adidas Shop Now Undo "After being freed from the responsibilities (as a president), I am determined to continue the political journey with the CPN-UML. I have renewed my party membership. Now, I am reunited with the CPN-UML as a member of this family, and I feel proud of this," Bhandari announced as the cadres and supporters cheered, welcoming her decision. The former President, in her address, recalled that she had dissociated herself from the CPN-UML, the country's largest communist party, after being elected to the post of head of state in October 2015. She served as the country's President for seven consecutive years. She was a UML vice-chair before being elected to the country's top post. Live Events Speculations about her rejoining the CPN-UML were rife after she became active in meeting the party's cadres across the country over the last couple of months. Her recent visit to China was seen as a strategy to bolster her political image. She spent 10 days in China leading a 14-member delegation from May 24. Her decision to return to politics has been welcomed by the senior vice-president of the CPN-UML, Ishwar Pokhrel, who had addressed the same event before Bhandari's announcement. "Former President is a political being. She has an interest in politics; that is her faith. Her background and her growth came from the political sphere, and that shouldn't be thought with a narrow mind. Return to politics should not be theorized by questioning what's the use of transitioning to a republic from kingship--it would be a joke," Pokhrel acclaimed. According to party insiders, the former President plans to succeed the current party chairman and Prime Minister, KP Sharma Oli , as party chief at the upcoming general convention. Oli has led the party twice and plans to repeat the top post once again. Expressing his dissatisfaction, Oli, on Saturday, while sharing the stage with Bhandari, the current chair and the Prime Minister, made an implied statement that he would not welcome her return. "There is a dream that CPN-UML will come to an end. No such explosions would occur; it cannot be expected further. It would never fade away or fall down. They have such kinds of hysterical expectations; it would never be true," Oli expressed. Dissatisfaction and agony with Oli have been brewing within the party due to his approach to governance. Both Oli and Bhandari met last week, discussing the issue of returning to politics. Oli, back then, also opposed Bhandari's intention to return to politics. On Saturday as well, Oli, who shared the stage alongside Bhandari, left the venue quickly after addressing the event, without listening to the speech delivered by the former head of state. Apart from that, given the time and developments, the announcement by former President Bhandari and the subsequent return of former Vice President Nanda Bahadur Pun to the CPN-Maoist Centre comes as a plan by the northern neighbour. A delegation from the CPN-Maoist had also visited China before the formal induction of Pun into an active role within the party. Former President Bhandari, also the former vice-chair of the UML, was twice elected President of the country. She's also the wife of the late Madan Bhandari, the UML general secretary credited with providing the ideological basis for the UML's entry into competitive parliamentary politics. He died in a car crash in Chitwan in 1993 under mysterious circumstances.
Business Times
30-05-2025
- Politics
- Business Times
Thousands rally in Nepali pro-monarchy protests
[KATHMANDU] Thousands of Nepali royalists marched in the capital Kathmandu on Friday (May 30), demanding the restoration of the monarchy and chanting slogans in support of the king deposed 17 years ago. The Hindu-majority nation became a secular republic in 2008 after parliament abolished the monarchy as part of a peace deal that ended a decade-long civil war in which more than 16,000 people were killed. The protests are the latest in a string of rallies, as support for the restoration of the monarchy and a Hindu state has grown amid dissatisfaction over political instability, corruption and slow economic development. 'King, come and save the nation', the marchers shouted in unison, beating drums, blowing horns and waving Nepal's national flag. 'I am here to fight against this corrupt system,' said Prem Bahadur Magar, 58. 'We need a constitutional monarchy and a Hindu nation to preserve our national identity.' Magar travelled to Kathmandu for the rally from his home, about 200 km away. BT in your inbox Start and end each day with the latest news stories and analyses delivered straight to your inbox. Sign Up Sign Up Riot police stood guard but there were no immediate reports of any violence. 'Seventeen years ago, I came to the streets to protest and overthrow the monarchy,' he said. 'But now, I feel sorry for that. Now I realise that the king was far better than these corrupt leaders.' The rally comes a day after the Communist Party of Nepal Unified Marxist-Leninist (CPN-UML) – the party of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli – held marches to mark the Himalayan nation's Republic Day. There were also royalist marches on Thursday. CPN-UML party supporter Bijay Lama, 34, said the return of the king was 'just a daydream', saying that most in the nation of some 30 million people wanted the republic to remain. 'If a few thousand people call for the return of the monarchy, this is simply not possible', Lama said, during the rally on Thursday. In March, two people were killed and more than 100 arrested during pro-monarchy protests, with security forces using live fire and tear gas to disperse the rally. The last king of Nepal, Gyanendra Shah, expressed sorrow at the violent demonstrations the following month – while lending tacit support. Shah was crowned in 2001 after his elder brother king Birendra Bir Bikram Shah and his family were killed in a palace massacre. His coronation took place as a Maoist insurgency was raging in far-flung corners of Nepal. Shah suspended the constitution and dissolved parliament in 2005, triggering protests in which the Maoists sided with Nepal's political establishment – leading to the eventual end of the war. AFP
New Straits Times
30-05-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Thousands rally in Nepali pro-monarchy protests
KATHMANDU: Thousands of Nepali royalists marched in the capital Kathmandu today, demanding the restoration of the monarchy and chanting slogans in support of the king deposed 17 years ago. The Hindu-majority nation became a secular republic in 2008 after Parliament abolished the monarchy as part of a peace deal that ended a decade-long civil war in which more than 16,000 people were killed. The protests are the latest in a string of rallies, as support for the restoration of the monarchy and a Hindu state has grown amid dissatisfaction over political instability, corruption and slow economic development. "King, come and save the nation", the marchers shouted in unison, beating drums, blowing horns and waving Nepal's national flag. "I am here to fight against this corrupt system," said Prem Bahadur Magar, 58. "We need a constitutional monarchy and a Hindu nation to preserve our national identity." Magar travelled to Kathmandu for the rally from his home, about 200km away. Riot police stood guard but there were no immediate reports of any violence. "Seventeen years ago, I came to the streets to protest and overthrow the monarchy," he said. "But now, I feel sorry for that. Now I realise that the king was far better than these corrupt leaders." The rally comes a day after the Communist Party of Nepal Unified Marxist-Leninist (CPN-UML) -- the party of Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli -- held marches to mark the Himalayan nation's Republic Day. There were also royalist marches yesterday. CPN-UML party supporter Bijay Lama, 34, said the return of the king was "just a daydream", saying that most in the nation of some 30 million people wanted the republic to remain. "If a few thousand people call for the return of the monarchy, this is simply not possible", Lama said, during the rally yesterday. In March, two people were killed and more than 100 arrested during pro-monarchy protests, with security forces using live fire and tear gas to disperse the rally. The last king of Nepal, Gyanendra Shah, expressed sorrow at the violent demonstrations the following month -- while lending tacit support. Shah was crowned in 2001 after his elder brother king Birendra Bir Bikram Shah and his family were killed in a palace massacre. His coronation took place as a Maoist insurgency was raging in far-flung corners of Nepal. Shah suspended the constitution and dissolved parliament in 2005, triggering protests in which the Maoists sided with Nepal's political establishment -- leading to the eventual end of the war.
Times of Oman
30-05-2025
- General
- Times of Oman
Nepali royalists launch new phase of protest for restoration of monarchy, ruling CPN-UML counters in defence of republic
Kathmandu: Nepali royalists on Thursday launched a new phase of protest for the restoration of monarchy, which saw hundreds of people chant slogans on the street on the first day. In defence of the republic, a new political system adopted in 2008 in Nepal, t he ruling CPN-UML (Communist Party of Nepal--Unified Marxist Leninist) also held a counterprotest in the streets of Kathmandu in defence of the republic. The ruling party, led by Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, organised a march in Kathmandu on Republic Day, entitled "Republic Mahotsav." "The public became the rulers from this day onwards, following this pursuit, the CPN-UML today is marking the Republic Day as 'utsav' (grand celebration). The party, as well as I personally request everyone to strengthen the voice in support of the republic," Surya Dhakal, lawmaker from the CPN-UML, told ANI as he participated in the rally. The ruling party cadres and supporters chanted slogans in support of the republic as they marched along the streets of the capital. In the wake of possible tensions, the local administration had designated two different areas and timings for the two groups to converge on the street. But the royalist forces, who claimed to have started a "joint people's movement", forging a committee, attempted to block the roadways for the parading cadres of the ruling parties. Police held the royalists on the side until the ruling party's parade passed by. The royalist right-wing Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP), the fifth largest party in the lower house of parliament, claimed that it would bring 25000 people onto the streets. As per the estimate of Nepal Police, about 3000 protestors hit the streets of Kathmandu. Encouraged by rising frustration with the incumbent system, the royalist group of about 40 different factions has been demanding restoration of the Hindu kingdom, abolition of federalism, and a directly elected prime ministerial system, among other things. Restoration of the constitutional monarchy has been their bottom line. Nepal, a Hindu kingdom, was declared a federal, secular, and republican state in 2008. "We will reinstate him in Narayanhiti Palace (former royal palace) and coronate him, then only we will return back. Our protest will continue until we achieve it. All of our leaders- Rajendra Lingden, Gyanendra Shahi all are determined. This time we are here with about 40 different factions moving ahead together. We are on this movement unifying the hearts of people, and that would make the heart of the king," Sunita Gajmer, a royalist, told ANI. Formed in the 1990s after the lifting of the ban on the formation of political parties by the then-monarchical system, the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) has since served as a force always supporting the Kingship. It has also been taking part in periodic elections and presenting its demands. In 2008, right after the overthrow of the monarchy rule in Nepal, the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) secured 8 seats in the Constituent Assembly out of the 575-seat parliament. In the 2013 election, it was able to secure 13 seats. In 2017, it fell down to 1 seat, but it bounced back in the 2022 election with 14 seats. Since its inception, the party has supported the Hindu State and Kingship as interdependent in the tiny nation buffered between two giants, India and China. The Himalayan Nation of Nepal has a population of 30.55 million and a Hindu population of 81.19%, as per the census of 2022. The Monarch of the Himalayan Nation, which follows the lineage of the Shah dynasty, was revered as an incarnation of the Hindu god Bishnu. With abolishment monarchy it got limited to a very small group which now again is reemerging.
