Kathmandu. CPN-UML Secretary Raghubir Mahaseth has clarified that there are no differences between party chairperson KP Sharma Oli and former President Bidya Devi Bhandari.

Speaking to journalists in Janakpur on Sunday morning, Mahaseth, a leader close to Oli, stated that Bhandari’s return to active politics would also be with the consent and proposal of Chairperson Oli.

He said, “In recent days, there have been rumors in the media that Oli and Bhandari have differences and that party cadres are divided. But none of that is true. There are no disagreements between the chairperson and the former president.”

Mahaseth further clarified, “If Bidya Bhandari decides to return to active politics, it will be with the chairperson’s approval and proposal. Neither the constitution nor the UML party statute bars former presidents from returning to politics.”

He added, “If she wants to return, why should we stop her? That is her personal decision. There has already been discussion about this in the party’s secretariat.”

Mahaseth accused some leaders and cadres of unnecessarily dragging former President Bhandari’s name into controversy. He said, “Only one or two leaders within the party are trying to create unnecessary disputes, which is not appropriate. Trying to involve the former president in controversy is also not a good thing.”

After serving nearly a decade in office and being formally inactive in politics, former President Bhandari announced her return to CPN-UML politics on Asar 14 (June 28) during a program at the National Assembly Hall marking the 74th birth anniversary of Madan Bhandari. Before becoming president, Bhandari served as the vice-chairperson of UML.