Bidya Bhandari Urges Introspection as She Returns to UML Politics

Former President Bidya Devi Bhandari made her first formal public appearance following her appointment to the CPN-UML leadership on Tuesday, calling on party leaders to conduct a rigorous self-examination rather than shifting blame onto grassroots workers.

Speaking at a felicitation event organized by the UML Rupandehi district committee in Butwal, Bhandari addressed cadres about her return to active party responsibilities following her two terms as head of state. Having already held Nepal's highest constitutional office, she said, she returned without any pursuit of personal ambition or higher titles, intending solely to serve the public and the leftist movement.

Discrepancies emerged across local reporting regarding her exact designation. Setopati reported that Bhandari was appointed as the UML's senior vice-chair. However, Gorkhapatra, Nagarik News, and Nepal Press reported that the UML Central Committee and Secretariat had designated her as a "senior leader"—with Nagarik News characterizing the role as an honored senior leader—following a decision taken on September 24.

During her address, Bhandari used vivid language to downplay personal political aspirations. According to Gorkhapatra, she quipped that after reaching the presidency, there was nowhere higher to rise except heaven. Nepal Press reported her stating that having achieved what she had, her sole remaining hope was to retain the goodwill of the people until the end of her life.

Bhandari pointed to the party's historical trajectory, citing the UML's electoral emergence in 1994, subsequent setbacks from internal divisions, and the strong mandate achieved during the 2017 leftist alliance that later disintegrated. She argued that one poor election should not lead cadres to despair, but stressed that top-level decisions carry severe consequences for party workers. Leaders must acknowledge mistakes directly rather than deflecting responsibility, she noted.

Nagarik News reported that Bhandari also emphasized the need to close generational divides inside political organizations and maintain broad communist unity. Gorkhapatra noted her insistence that party policy must prioritize living standards and national dignity above factional infighting.

Internal reactions at the Rupandehi event reflected ongoing party tensions. Nepal Press reported that UML Secretary Chhabilal Bishwakarma defended the appointment, stating the Secretariat recommended the role to recognize Bhandari's lifelong contributions. In contrast, Rupandehi District Committee Chair Yagya Gaire remarked during the event that rank-and-file workers remain frustrated by unilateral decisions from central leaders at a time when grassroots members are demanding leadership restructuring.

Bhandari also drew attention to infrastructure bottlenecks in the region, recounting how her flight to Rupandehi was delayed by seven hours due to adverse weather, followed by stray animals obstructing the tarmac after landing at Gautam Buddha International Airport, according to Nepal Press.