Bhandari: From Student Activist to NA Vice Chair

Newly elected Vice-Chairperson of National Assembly (NA), Leela Kumari Bhandari, has become the first woman from the Sudurpaschim Province to hold the position.

A leader of the CPN (UML), Bhandari, was elected unopposed to the post during today’s NA meeting. As the sole candidate to file nomination for the position, she was formally declared elected by the NA Chairperson, Narayan Prasad Dahal.

The 49-year-old leader was elected as the member of the NA on January 25 this year. Her elevation to the Vice-Chairperson position marks a significant milestone in her long political career and reflects her steady rise within the national politics.

The newly appointed Vice-Chairperson of the Upper House of the Federal Parliament had previously served as a Minister of State for Education, Science and Technology for six months in the government led by erstwhile Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai.

During her tenure, she contributed to the initiation of operation of Geta Medical College and worked towards improving the lives of freed Kamlaris, formerly bonded labourers.

Her political journey began during her school years at Chandrodya Secondary School in Phulbari, Kailali. She became actively engaged in student politics through the All National Free Students Union where she advocated for student rights and social issues.

Initially associated with the then CPN (Maoist Centre), Bhandari later joined the UML where she has continued to strengthen her political standing. She was elected through the party’s 10th and 11th national congress and has served as a politburo member as well as the coordinator for Kailali district.

Her appointment to the post is viewed as a landmark moment for representation from Sudurpashchim Province and for women’s leadership in the country’s federal parliament. (RSS)