Kathmandu, June 12 -- A few days after returning from a ten-day visit to the northern neighbour, China, former President Bidya Devi Bhandari travelled to Jhapa to attend a national-level programme of deputy mayors and vice-chairpersons of local governments in Koshi Province.

She also attended a science exhibit organised by Jhapa's high school students. Former President Bhandari, having completed her trip north in her capacity as a leader of the CPN-UML, immediately travelled to Jhapa-the home district of UML chair and Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli.

"Bhandari's movements are aimed at gauging her acceptability should she decide to rejoin active party politics," said a UML leader close to Bhandari.

A number of party leaders are lobbying fo...