Kathmandu – Senior leader of CPN (Unified Socialist) and former Prime Minister Jhala Nath Khanal has described the potential political re-engagement of former President Bidya Devi Bhandari as a positive development. Speaking to the media upon his return to Nepal on Saturday after completing an official visit to China, Khanal said Bhandari’s return to active politics could pave the way for left-wing unity in Nepal.
According to Khanal, the CPN-UML is currently the largest leftist political force in the country. Therefore, he argued, the responsibility of leading left unity efforts primarily lies with the UML. However, he expressed concern that the party has not shown sufficient interest in unifying the broader leftist movement, which has resulted in its fragmented state. “If the UML takes the initiative, there is a real possibility of bringing together a significant portion of leftist forces across the country,” Khanal stated.
Commenting on Bhandari’s possible political return, he added, “If she has seriously assessed the current situation of the left movement and is considering re-entering the party with the intent to lead, this should be seen as a positive step.” He further noted that such a move could inject fresh energy into the UML and help foster an environment for unity.
Khanal maintained that it is essential for the UML to play a leading role in overcoming the divisions within the left movement. The active involvement of influential leaders like Bidya Devi Bhandari, he said, could revitalize leftist politics in Nepal.
With Bhandari’s political intentions and the UML leadership’s response still to unfold, the direction of Nepal’s leftist political landscape remains to be seen.
