KATHMANDU, July 19 -- The CPN-UML Chair KP Sharma Oli appeared notably serious during Thursday's Central Secretariat meeting. His somber demeanor followed senior vice-chair Ishwar Pokhrel's apparent divergence from Oli's line. Photos from the meeting show a visibly tense atmosphere among all participants.

At the beginning of the meeting, Prime Minister and UML Chair Oli expressed his views regarding former President Bidya Devi Bhandari's interest in re-entering politics. Speaking about Bhandari, Oli said, "She has already renewed her party membership. She has made several public statements. Is this a matter we can or cannot discuss in the party's Secretariat meeting? Should she be allowed to return to politics or not?"

His remarks were ...