Kathmandu, Aug. 8 -- UML has stepped up preparations for its second National Statute Convention after blocking former President Bidya Devi Bhandari's attempt to rejoin the party.

Leaders, at least from the party's establishment side, have focused their attention on the convention scheduled for September 5-7 with the belief that the "chapter of the former President rejoining active politics has closed" for now. Recent statements from some of the influential leaders such as General Secretary Shankar Pokhrel also support the claim.

Bhandari had announced her intention to re-engage in active politics within the UML. However, the party's Central Committee on July 22 shut the door on her. It decided not to approve Bhandari's membership, stati...