By Our Reporter

Former Vice President Nanda Bahadur Pun has officially returned to party politics while former President Bidya Bhandari is also trying to return to party politics by stating that she could not stay idle.

During a meeting of the office bearers of the Maoist Centre in Kathmandu on Monday, Pun was assigned the responsibility of the production sector.

Of late, he has been participating in party meetings as the Vice Chairperson.

This marks Pun’s return to party responsibilities after 22 months since completing his tenure as the second Vice President of the country and nine years since leaving party politics.

Pun first became Vice President on October 31, 2015, and was re-elected for a second term in 2018.

Meanwhile, Bidya Bhandari, who became President while Pun was Vice President, is also preparing to return to party politics. She is currently touring the country and meeting with UML leaders and cadres.

Bhandari previously indicated that she might return to active politics with the UML. During her recent visit to Biratnagar, she mentioned that she would return to the UML if the situation permitted.

A section of UML leaders argues that Bhandari's presence in party politics would help control the monopoly of party chair KP Sharma Oli. It is said that Bhandari is pondering contesting the election for the post of party chairperson in the next general convention. Such an attitude of those dignitaries who enjoyed the post of the head of the nation and also deputy head of the nation -- considered to be a neutral post and regarded the posts above partisan politics-- has devalued the posts and their image.