Dolakha. CPN-UML founder leader Shiva Prasad Bhandari has returned to the CPN-UML.

His spouse Kalpana Bhandari and former deputy mayor of Bhimeshwor Municipality Shanta Basnet have also returned to the UML. Bhandari has served as the chief of the CPN-UML Dolakha for two terms, member of the party’s Central Discipline Commission and former vice-president of the District Development Committee.

Bhandari and other founding leaders were formally welcomed in the party through the reunion program.

Speaking at the reunion program, leader Bhandari said that the UML could win the elections only when all the forces of the party are united among the people. He called on all leaders and cadres to be active with coordination and cooperation to make the party the number one force in Dolakha.

“Now, we should reach people’s doorsteps with the message of unity and not division and contradiction,” he said.

He also made it clear that he was fully committed to making CPN-UML candidate Parbat Gurung victorious in the upcoming elections. “UML’s victory is necessary for the development and stability of Dolakha,” he said.

Bhandari was active as a politburo member of the CPN (Unified Socialist) following the split of the CPN-UML four years ago. He was also the candidate for the post of deputy general secretary from the Ghanashyam Bhusal panel during the party’s general convention. A majority of the party in Dolakha, which supported Bhandari, who disagreed with the decision of the majority including Chairman Madhav Kumar Nepal, who bypassed the UML and joined only with the Maoists, did not join the unification.

It is said most of the leaders and cadres of the erstwhile CPN (S) who had won a mayor, a deputy mayor and a ward chair and a people’s representative have decided to support the UML. Former leaders of Kathmandu-based Samparka Manch have also been supporting Bhandari. With his return, some leaders and cadres of the CPN (Maoist Center) are also said to be in the direction of returning home. This has created a favorable environment for a comprehensive victory in Dolakha, which has been known as a stronghold since 048, according to UML’s internal analysis.

Speaking at the program, Bhandari said that he has decided to return to the UML in the changed political situation of late.

Party leaders have expressed the belief that the return of Bhandari and other leaders will further strengthen the UML organization in Dolakha.  It is also expected that the experience of the old leaders and influence among the cadres will add positive energy to the upcoming election campaign.

Only a few days ago, a dozen youths including the then Youth Association district secretary had joined the UML. Similarly, Prakash Katuwal, deputy general secretary of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), had also left the NCP. Katuwal had been supporting the UML since the 2079 local elections.