Prime Minister and CPN-UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli has warned party leaders and cadres not to act as spokespersons for former president Bidya Devi Bhandari.
Speaking at the party's central committee meeting that began at the party headquarters in Chyasal on Monday, Oli said that he held discussions with former president Bhandari in Chyasal on Sunday and offered her some suggestions.
"I met Bidyaji yesterday. I had invited her to Baluwatar. She said she hadn't seen the party office. What’s the big deal? Why make a fuss when a former president and the prime minister meet?" Oli said. "Some have become her spokespersons. Why is that necessary? I have given suggestions, but she hasn’t yet informed me what she will do."
He also said that he informed her about the politburo's decision during their meeting.
"It has been clearly stated that national politics, the dignity of the president, and our republic should not be dragged into unnecessary controversies. She said that she would think and inform us later about her stance. Once her stance is clear, the party will take further decisions as needed," Oli said.
Oli also noted that the proposal for the meeting had come from Bhandari herself.
"When she visited the party office, some dissatisfied groups and those who lost elections they had conducted themselves were also seen, the same ones who were seen at Pashupati too. Some spread propaganda that the chairman proposed deducting years spent in prison if an age limit is to be set. Similarly, it’s wrong to spread false claims that Bhandari refused to go to Baluwatar. It’s not necessary for some leaders to act as her spokespersons and make unwarranted statements in the media. Yesterday’s meeting should be taken as a ‘cut-off’ meeting. If such undisciplined activities repeat, action will definitely be taken," Oli warned.
He also said that while the issue of party membership renewal was not a major one, the party had not yet granted permission for it.
