KATHMANDU: Nepal’s Communist Party (UML) abruptly postponed its Central Committee meeting on Tuesday amid tensions over former President Bidya Devi Bhandari’s membership. The meeting, initially set for September 13 to approve political, organizational, and party statute amendments ahead of the party’s second Statutory Congress (September 20–22), is now uncertain.

The decision to block Bhandari’s membership has angered some leaders, who raised the issue in provincial committee meetings despite a party circular restricting discussion. Vice President Surendra Pandey said pushback against General Secretary Shankar Pokharel prompted concerns about contentious debates, leading to the postponement.

Permanent Committee member Rajendra Gautam said the meeting was delayed to compile suggestions from provincial and district committees.

Bhandari has opened a contact office in Thapagaun and continues political activity, expressing her intent to remain active within UML. The next Central Committee meeting is unlikely before September 19, after party chairman and Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli returns from a China visit.