KHOTANG: CPN-UML Standing Committee member and Koshi Province in-charge Sherdhan Rai has dismissed recent media reports suggesting that former President Bidya Devi Bhandari intends to return to active politics.

Speaking at a press conference organized by Press Chautari Nepal, Rai clarified that Bhandari has not expressed any such intention to him despite their regular communication.

Rai emphasized that rumors of Bhandari contesting for the party’s top leadership are unfounded and misleading. He explained that her recent visits to Koshi Province were official and ceremonial in nature, including attending a national gathering of women representatives in Biratnagar and a science exhibition organized by the Madan Bhandari Foundation and UML’s Science and Technology Department in Birtamod.

“Her participation in public events should not be interpreted as a return to active party politics,” Rai said, stressing the importance of welcoming her as a former UML vice-chairperson and president who rose through the party ranks.

Rai’s remarks come amid increasing speculation within political circles about Bhandari’s future role, with the UML leader calling for an end to baseless rumors that confuse the public and misrepresent her position.