Kathmandu, July 19: The Politburo meeting of the CPN (UML) has approved the report on the proposed amendments to the party statute. The fourth plenary session of the politburo held today at the party headquarters in Chyasal, Lalitpur, unanimously passed the amendment proposal report that was endorsed by the Central Secretariat meeting on Friday.
UML’s publicity department Chief Rajendra Gautam informed that Vice-Chair Bishnu Prasad Paudel presented the amendment proposal in the meeting. In the meeting chaired by Prime Minister and Party Chairman KP Sharma Oli, 68 politburo members shared their views on the report.
The proposed amendments include provisions to maintain two categories of membership in the party—organized membership and general party membership; the removal of the 70-year age limit and the two-term limit for leadership positions; and the agreement to consider district committees as executive committees.
The meeting also held a serious discussion on the renewal of former President Bidya Devi Bhandari’s party membership and her potential active participation in party politics. “Although the topic of former President Bhandari was discussed, we have not yet reached a firm conclusion,” Gautam said. “Majority of the members expressed that it is a serious matter for someone who has held a high state office and served as a guardian of the constitution to become actively involved in politics. The party will consult as necessary and make a decision at the appropriate time.”
He informed that the issue of former President Bhandari will also be discussed in the upcoming Central Committee meeting. “There is no reason for the party to have any bias or prejudice against former President Bhandari. The party seriously and positively discussed the highest position to which she was appointed,” said Gautam.
“Now, the decision on this matter will be made by the next Central Committee meeting.” The amendment proposal to the statute, passed today, will be presented at the Central Committee meeting scheduled for July 21.
The UML’s statute convention is set to be held from September 5 to 7 at the Sunrise International Convention Centre in Godavari, Lalitpur.
