KATHMANDU, MARCH 29

Ruling CPN-UML on Monday handed a notice of suspension to its senior figures former party chief Madhav Kumar Nepal and Bhim Rawal.

Party chair KP Sharma Oli, stating that the duo did not provide a reasonable clarification on being sought an explanation for their anti-party activities, decided to take action again.

Only recently, PM Oli's close aide, his Press Advisor Surya Thapa had floated the idea of suspending Nepal and Rawal for at least six months in order to 'cleanse' the party and to strengthen party unity.

Nepal and Rawal, during the suspension period, will be stripped of membership of the party and the corresponding roles and responsibilities.