KATHMANDU: The CPN-UML has issued a circular clarifying that it has stopped the renewal process of former President Bidya Devi Bhandari’s party membership.

The circular, made public on Monday, formalizes the decisions taken during the party’s Central Committee meeting held on July 21 and 22.

In the document, UML places special emphasis on Bhandari’s recent activities, her public roles, and their relevance to party discipline. It critically evaluates her conduct and questions her alignment with the party’s values.

The circular mentions that UML and its leadership are under “coordinated attack.” It identifies four key power centers as the sources of these attacks, claiming that they are attempting to weaken the party’s nationalist stance.

The party further states that it is being targeted through social media, traditional media, and ideological narratives, and it has urged its members to stay alert and counter such offensives.

Citing Bhandari’s recent public statements as a serious violation of constitutional values, the dignity of the presidential office, and party discipline, the UML has decided to suspend her from party membership.

Although Bhandari had officially cut ties with the party after becoming President—she was previously UML’s Vice Chair—the party notes that her recent political remarks contradict UML’s official positions. It accuses her of carrying out public activities that defy party principles.

The circular reads, “Former President Bidya Devi Bhandari must be respected as a national figure. However, any attempt to return to active politics must follow the party’s code of conduct. Indiscipline and actions taken without party leadership’s approval are unacceptable.”

It also outlines provisions from the party statute and the 10th General Convention regarding the roles and responsibilities of central members, office-bearers, and former officials, expecting them to act with integrity and commitment.

UML concludes that violating the constitutional provision of a non-political presidential role to engage in active politics could have grave consequences.

Labeling the incident as a matter of party discipline, the circular states that such tendencies will be strictly addressed.

It also instructs all party levels to move forward with firm and unified strategies under its “Mission 84” campaign.