Former president’s political comeback goes against constitutional spirit: CPN-UML

Kathmandu: The CPN-UML has said that any political engagement by a former president contradicts the spirit of the Constitution and should not be encouraged.

At a press conference held today at the party’s central office in Chyasal, CPN-UML Publicity Department Chief Rajendra Gautam shared details of the party’s Central Committee meeting held on July 25 and 26. He stated that a return to active party politics by a former head of state would raise questions about constitutional integrity and democratic values.

Leader Gautam emphasized that the Constitution of Nepal envisions a former president to be completely detached from party affiliations and to remain in an impartial role. “Such a move contradicts constitutional norms and could damage public trust,” he said.

He added that decisions made while holding the nation’s highest office—and those potentially made in a future political role—must not create doubts about constitutional credibility. “This decision was necessary to uphold democratic principles and avoid setting a harmful precedent,” Gautam said.

He also stressed that political behavior and norms are developing into a more systematic structure, and that moving forward, all actors must exercise restraint and awareness to strengthen Nepal’s democratic system.

Meanwhile, CPN-UML General Secretary Shankar Pokharel said that the matter of membership renewal for former President Bidya Devi Bhandari has become irrelevant, as she herself concluded that returning to active politics through the party was not appropriate.

Leader Pokharel further clarified that political posts such as the Speaker of the House should not be connected to the role of a former president, reinforcing the need to maintain a distinction between constitutional roles and party responsibilities.