KATHMANDU: The issue of former President Bidya Devi Bhandari’s potential return to active politics was raised during the CPN-UML Secretariat meeting held on Thursday in Chyasal, Lalitpur.

Leaders participating in the meeting suggested that the party leadership should be open to offering her a suitable role, especially since Bhandari has relinquished all state-provided facilities and announced her intention to reenter politics.

Chairman KP Sharma Oli reportedly initiated the discussion himself, asking fellow leaders what should be done regarding Bhandari’s political comeback.

In response, many leaders recommended holding dialogues and assigning her a meaningful role.

Speaking to the media after the meeting, UML Secretary Yogesh Bhattarai informed that Chairman Oli acknowledged the topic and said the matter would be further discussed within the party.

“The chairman said it was not fully addressed in today’s meeting, but if necessary, it will be discussed further. It’s too early to decide what role she will be given. The party hasn’t yet made any concrete decision,” Bhattarai stated.

“But now, the issue has formally entered the UML’s internal political discourse,” he added.

Bhattarai also confirmed that since Bhandari has already declared her return to UML, party leaders in the meeting advised Oli to personally take the initiative to engage in dialogue with her.