Miscellaneous
Prez attends luncheon hosted by former king
President Bidya Devi Bhandari on Thursday attended a function hosted by former king Gyanendra Shah in Kathmandu, ending speculations whether she would accept an invitation from the former monarch who is still considered the adversary by political parties that in 2008 ousted him from the Narayanhiti Palace.President Bidya Devi Bhandari on Thursday attended a function hosted by former king Gyanendra Shah in Kathmandu, ending speculations whether she would accept an invitation from the former monarch who is still considered the adversary by political parties that in 2008 ousted him from the Narayanhiti Palace.
Shah had thrown a luncheon party at the Soaltee Crowne Plaza on the occasion of his grandson Hridayendra’s bratabandha (coming of age ceremony observed as per Hindu tradition).
President Bhandari’s secretariat confirmed her participation in the event.
The President was received by former crown prince Paras Shah and his wife Himani Shah.
The former king and former queen then escorted President Bhandari to a separate hall where, according to sources, they had their lunch together and spent about an hour and a half. Family members of the former royal family were also present.
President Bhandari was accompanied by her daughter.
According to an informed source, besides family matters, Bhandari and Shah also dwelt on contemporary politics including local level elections which are taking place after two decades—if the one conducted by Shah in 2006 when he had assumed absolute power is not counted.
President Bhandari’s participation to a function hosted by Shah on Thursday comes months after Shah attended Bhandari’s daughter’s wedding at Sheetal Niwas in January.
Apart from President Bhandari, senior officials from the Office of the President were also present at the function.
Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal and other senior leaders were also invited, but they skipped the event.
However, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Local Development Kamal Thapa, Minister for Soil Conservation Shankar Bhandari and senior leaders of the Rastriya Prajatantra Party were present. Some Nepali Congress including Ram Sharan Mahat, Khum Bahadur Khadka, Sadbhawana Party Chairman Rajendra Mahato, former security officials, former diplomats, artists, members of the business community, among were also present.