KATHMANDU: Opposition party leaders have met Speaker Dol Prasad Aryal and held discussions on contemporary political issues, including the leadership of parliamentary committees.

During the meeting, the leaders also drew attention to the need to make the upcoming parliamentary session more effective and result-oriented.

The delegation included Nepali Congress leaders Bheeshmaraj Angdembe and Arjun Narsingh KC, CPN-UML leaders Guru Baral and Padma Aryal, and CPN (Maoist Centre) leader Barshaman Pun, among others.

KATHMANDU: Former President Bidya Devi Bhandari has called on leaders and cadres of CPN-UML to remain united, warning of growing challenges to Nepal’s national stability and democratic system.

Speaking at a program in Kathmandu on Thursday during a discussion on the book Bhumigat Mahila, Bhandari stressed that threats to national unity, sovereignty, independence, and democracy have intensified, making party cohesion more crucial than ever.

She expressed concern over the emergence of inexperienced new political forces, saying their rise has raised serious questions about the country’s direction.

In this context, she urged UML members to act responsibly and work actively in the interest of the nation and its people.

Bhandari also noted that increasing doubts about the future of fundamental rights, freedom, and democracy signal a potential crisis. She emphasized the need for UML ranks to step up efforts to safeguard these achievements.

Reflecting on recent elections held under “special circumstances,” the former president said traditional political parties must reassess their strategies and proceed with greater caution moving forward.