KATHMANDU: I have been seriously drawn to the growing interest of the media regarding my affiliation with the CPN (UML) and the renewal of my party membership. As a responsible citizen of the country, I consider it my duty to clarify the concerns and curiosity expressed about me.

Since the conclusion of my term as President of the country, there has been widespread interest from the media, party leaders, members, and the public about my future political journey. Over the past year, the media has paid particular attention to this issue.

After completing my presidential tenure, I had been reflecting and studying various national and international socio-political and economic matters. I had consistently stated that I would announce my political plans—whether or not to remain affiliated with a party—at the right time. Once I decided to continue my political journey within the party, I officially renewed my party membership in accordance with the proper procedures.

Even though I had not made this renewal public at the time, media outlets—citing party leaders, members, and well-wishers—disclosed the news of my membership renewal. Under such circumstances, remaining silent on the issue was no longer appropriate. The very purpose of renewing my membership was to continue contributing to the CPN (UML). Accordingly, on June 28, 2025, during the 74th birth anniversary program of the people’s leader Madan Bhandari, I publicly announced my party membership renewal and declared my active political commitment as a member of the UML family.

Recently, I came to know through media reports, interviews with party leaders, and social media discussions that the issue of my membership renewal had been discussed at various levels within the UML, including its Central Committee.

A cordial discussion also took place at the party’s central office the day before the Central Committee meeting between me and Party Chairman and Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli. Prior to this, I had engaged in multiple conversations with party leaders regarding my renewal and potential responsibilities within the party. In my latest meeting with the Chairman, I reaffirmed that I had renewed my membership in a proper manner and expressed my willingness to remain actively engaged in the party.

However, the very next day, I came to know from the party’s official press release that the Central Committee had decided not to renew my membership. Given that my renewal was already complete, this should never have become a matter of dispute.

It is not unusual or surprising for a political figure like me, who was elected President and served in that capacity, to continue serving the country and the people by returning to political life. It is not just my constitutional right—it is a natural extension of my life’s work. I became President through my political career and party leadership, and now I have decided to dedicate the rest of my life to serving the nation and its people through politics. I have no personal ambition or attachment to any position. Having served in the highest constitutional post, I have already etched my name in history. My sole purpose now is to strengthen the party, build unity, and serve the country through political means—to make the nation prosperous and its people happy.

Nepal’s Constitution guarantees the right to freedom of belief and the right to be affiliated with a political party as fundamental rights. There is nothing in any article or spirit of the Constitution that prevents me from being politically active. This is as clear as day. Given that the doctrine of People’s Multiparty Democracy (PMD) fully embraces constitutional supremacy and the rule of law, there is no justifiable reason to exclude me from party membership on the grounds of principle.

In this regard, I am deeply saddened by the premature and unjust decision made in disregard of Nepal’s Constitution, laws, and the democratic values of the party.  Such decisions can harm the party’s reputation and credibility. Although temporary confusion may arise from emotionally driven decisions, the truth can never be permanently suppressed.

According to the PMD principle of reasoned and inclusive party building, such decisions must be made with thoughtful deliberation. The recent decision, being contrary to the scientific principle of democratic centralism in party building, is neither valid nor mature.

I had already been a party member for 35 years by the time I became President. Now it has been 45 years. Therefore, despite my unwavering belief in the party’s principles, ideologies, and policies, it is unacceptable to bar me from party membership. This party was built with the blood, sweat, and dedication of thousands of leaders, members, and activists—including myself. What I say here is not out of emotion, but rather based on the noble traditions, values, and ideals of our party. On this basis, I sincerely call on all UML members across the country to uphold the foundational principles of party-building laid down by the PMD. This is the voice of my inner conscience, and I will not waver from my decision.

Hence, I wholeheartedly urge all party members to embrace party values with courage and conviction and to actively engage in the mission of party building.

The CPN (UML)’s achievements today are the result of the deep faith, trust, and dedication shown by its leaders, members, and affiliates to the People’s Multiparty Democracy—a principle envisioned by people’s leader Madan Bhandari. Under the guidance of this homegrown ideology, UML will continue to evolve as a decisive national force, ensuring sustainable political stability and laying the foundation for socialism in Nepal. At this critical juncture in our history, it is our shared responsibility to make the party ideologically stronger, more united, and organizationally resilient. This requires sincere and selfless efforts from all of us. Only then can we fulfill Madan Bhandari’s vision and help transform Nepal into a prosperous nation.

(Unofficial translation of the press statement issued by former President Bidya Devi Bhandari during her press conference in Kathmandu earlier today.)