Nepal, a country known for its rich cultural heritage and historical ties to the monarchy, is once again witnessing a surge in public support for the return of its former king, Gyanendra Shah.
On Sunday, thousands of monarchists gathered in Kathmandu to welcome him as he returned from a tour of western Nepal. The massive turnout reflected a growing disillusionment among Nepalis with the current political system.
As the former king arrived at Tribhuvan International Airport, an estimated 10,000 supporters flooded the streets, blocking the main entrance and chanting slogans demanding the restoration of the monarchy.
“Vacate the royal palace for the king. Come back king, save the country. Long live our beloved king. We want monarchy,” echoed through the streets as the crowd expressed frustration with the republic’s governance. The gathering, though disruptive, remained peaceful, with riot police ensuring protesters did not enter the airport premises.
Growing Public Discontent and Calls for the Monarchy’s Return
Nepal transitioned from a monarchy to a federal democratic republic in 2008 after mass protests forced Gyanendra Shah to step down. The abolition of the monarchy was seen as a victory for democracy, with hopes that the country would experience political stability and economic progress.
However, nearly two decades later, the situation has not met public expectations. The country has struggled with political instability, having witnessed 13 different governments since 2008. Many Nepalis believe that corruption has increased, and the economy remains fragile, leading to discontent among the people.
Among the thousands of demonstrators, individuals like Thir Bahadur Bhandari, a 72-year-old monarchist, voiced their strong belief in reinstating the king to restore order and stability. Similarly, 50-year-old carpenter Kulraj Shrestha, who once protested against the monarchy in 2006, admitted to having changed his stance.
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“The worst thing that is happening to the country is massive corruption, and all politicians in power are not doing anything for the country,” he said. Disillusioned by the lack of progress, many former republic supporters are now advocating for the return of the monarchy, believing it to be a better alternative.
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Gyanendra Shah, Nepal’s last king, has maintained a low profile since his abdication, avoiding direct involvement in politics. While he has not publicly responded to the recent calls for his reinstatement, his growing popularity suggests that a significant portion of the population is reconsidering the role of the monarchy in Nepal’s governance. However, despite the increasing support, his immediate return to power remains unlikely.
The Role of Hinduism in Nepal’s Political Landscape
In addition to calls for the restoration of the monarchy, many protesters are advocating for Nepal to be reinstated as a Hindu state. Until 2008, Nepal was the world’s only Hindu kingdom, with its religious identity deeply intertwined with the monarchy.
The shift to a secular state was part of broader democratic reforms, but it remains a contentious issue. Many conservative and religious groups argue that Nepal’s identity as a Hindu nation was unjustly removed, and they see the monarchy as an essential institution that upholds their cultural and religious values.
Historically, the Nepalese monarchy was considered a protector of Hindu traditions, with kings regarded as an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The abolition of the monarchy and Nepal’s transition to secularism were perceived by some as an erosion of the country’s spiritual heritage.
With rising dissatisfaction over governance, many citizens now view the reinstatement of both the monarchy and Hinduism as a means to restore national pride and stability.
The demand for Nepal’s return to a Hindu state is not new. In the years following the abolition of the monarchy, various religious groups have staged protests, urging the government to reconsider the decision. Recent demonstrations highlight the continuing relevance of this issue, with a growing number of people believing that Nepal’s current political system has failed to address their concerns.
Challenges and the Future of Nepal’s Monarchy Movement
Despite the growing momentum behind the pro-monarchy movement, significant challenges remain. The current democratic system is firmly established, and political parties that played a role in the monarchy’s abolition continue to hold power.
While public dissatisfaction with politicians is widespread, transitioning back to a monarchy would require a major shift in Nepal’s political framework, including constitutional amendments.
Moreover, international reactions would play a crucial role in any attempt to reinstate the monarchy. Nepal’s transition to democracy was supported by global powers, and any move to restore royal rule could face resistance from the international community. Additionally, within Nepal, there is still a significant portion of the population that supports the republic and opposes a return to monarchical rule.
Gyanendra Shah’s personal stance also remains unclear. While he has received growing support from monarchists, he has not actively pursued political involvement.
His reluctance to comment on the recent protests suggests that he may not be seeking to reclaim the throne, at least not in the immediate future. However, if public demand continues to grow, pressure on the political establishment to address these concerns may increase.
As Nepal navigates these tensions, the coming years will determine whether the monarchy remains a symbolic memory of the past or reemerges as a viable political institution. For now, the calls for its return highlight the deep-seated frustrations of a population yearning for stability, governance, and cultural preservation.
let’s enjoy few years on earth with peace and happiness….✍🏼🙏