Biratnagar: Former President Bidya Devi Bhandari stated that left unity in Nepal is not immediately possible due to a deep crisis of trust among the communist parties.

Bhandari, who was returning to Kathmandu today after participating in programs in Morang, Sunsari, and Jhapa districts of Koshi Province, addressed journalists at Biratnagar Airport. She responded to queries regarding the possibility of left unity and her potential return to active politics.

Bhandari asserted that she has remained consistently aligned with the same left-wing ideology since her birth. “I have been in the same line from where I was born, grew up, and reached this position, till today,” she said. She recalled that even during her presidency, she was proposed by CPN (UML) and supported by other left-wing and regional parties. She made it clear that she would remain actively involved with CPN (UML) if she were to engage in party politics. Her agenda, she added, would focus on realizing the vision of a prosperous nation, implementing a Nepali-specific socialist concept, and building a just society.

Bhandari denied that Chairman Oli’s statements about factionalism in the party were directed at her. “I don’t think he specifically targeted me,” she said, adding, “I am a person who has always been in mainstream politics without engaging in factionalism; he wouldn’t say that.” She speculated that Oli might have made those remarks to reassure party cadres about leadership formation in the upcoming general convention. She reiterated that she has no personal ambitions and aims to work for national aspirations in any way possible.

Bhandari stated that as a former President who has worked in the party even before becoming an organized member, she doesn’t need permission from UML committees or leaders to travel within the country. She clarified that her tours are aimed at interacting with society, understanding public opinion, and discerning the aspirations of the new generation. “The new generation is eagerly awaiting rapid economic development,” she noted.

Former President Bhandari acknowledged that discussions about left unity have been ongoing in Nepal, but such unity has not been sustained. She expressed her lack of confidence in immediate left unity due to the significant crisis of trust among the parties. She emphasized that rather than just among left-wing parties, it would be beneficial for the nation if major and responsible parties, along with emerging new parties, engage in constructive discussions on national agendas and move forward with unity.