Nepal's Monarchy: From Abolition To Rebirth - What's Behind The Desire For Its Return?

In Kathmandu, thousands of Nepalese are protesting, calling for the abolition of the republic, reflecting growing frustration over enduring political instability, which has witnessed 13 government changes in 16 years.

The resurgence of voices advocating for the return of the monarchy in Nepal is indicative of a shift in sentiment towards the democratic process. The implications of this trend on the country remain to be seen, as it potentially signals a loss of faith in the existing democratic system among certain segments of the population, as reported by First Post.

Calls for Monarchy Return Surge Amidst Growing Frustration in Nepal

Sixteen years ago, mass protests in Nepal compelled then-King Gyanendra Shah to abdicate the throne, paving the way for the establishment of a republic. Now, a resurgence of protests seeks to reinstate him. The capital of the Himalayan nation finds itself inundated with demonstrators, advocating for Shah's return to the throne and the reinstatement of Hinduism as the state religion.

Accusations of corruption and failed governance against the major political parties fuel these royalist groups' demands, echoing the populace's frustration with politicians. Chants of "Come back king, save the country. Long live our beloved king. We want a monarchy," resounded at a recent rally in Kathmandu.

Pro-monarchy sentiments have been on the rise, reflected in larger rallies and an increasing number of households and businesses displaying portraits of the ex-king and his ancestors. Gyanendra, who served as a constitutional head of state with limited powers until 2005, when he seized absolute authority, disbanded the government and parliament, and imposed a state of emergency, utilizing the military to govern.

Massive protests, drawing hundreds of thousands, compelled him to relinquish power to the parliament in 2006. Subsequently, parliament voted to abolish the monarchy in 2008, leading Gyanendra to leave the Royal Palace and adopt a civilian life. However, disillusionment with the republic has grown among many Nepalis, attributing it to the failure in achieving political stability, economic struggles, and rampant corruption, as reported First Post citing AP.

Since the abolition of the monarchy, Nepal has witnessed the formation of 13 governments, exacerbating public discontent.

Nepal's Debate on Monarchy: Voices and Perspectives

According to Dhruba Hari Adhikary, an independent analyst based in Kathmandu, it is believed by many Nepalis that their problems are not being addressed by elected politicians, who are seen as more interested in power and patronage. It is thus thought by some people that the time of monarchy was preferable.

In November, in Kathmandu, tens of thousands rallied in support of the king, but they were halted from marching to the center of the capital by riot police officers who used batons and tear gas. In the predominantly Hindu nation, kings were traditionally considered reincarnations of the god Vishnu.

Rudra Raj Pandey, who participated in the recent rally, expressed the belief that the king serves as a necessary umbrella to protect Nepal from external pressures and influences, such as those from India, China, or America. He stated that the country's values and identity can only be preserved through the reinstatement of monarchy and the return of the king to the throne. However, Adhikary suggests that the movement advocating for monarchy is currently too small to succeed in the near future.

The support for monarchy

With polls and surveys rarely conducted in Nepal, the level of support for the monarchy remains unclear. Gyanendra, although an unpopular king, presided over a monarchy that enjoyed broad popularity before he assumed absolute power. The possibility of the king returning to power has been rejected by the country's major political parties.

"The monarchy will never be reinstated; Nepal is a republic," stated Narayan Prakash Saud of Nepali Congress, the largest party in parliament, which spearheaded the revolt against the king in 2006. "Any potential reinstatement would necessitate constitutional amendments, which are highly unlikely."

A statue of Nepal's late king Prithivi Narayan Shah is adorned with garlands in Kathmandu. The monarchy, once unpopular and abolished after centuries of rule over the Himalayan nation, is now seeking to regain some of its lost glory. The most influential group advocating for the restoration of the monarchy is the Rastriya Prajatantra Party, founded in the 1990s by monarchist allies.

With 14 seats in parliament, approximately five percent representation, the party exerts significant influence as a representative of the protest movement. Demands were presented by party leaders during a meeting with the prime minister in February. "I believe it is entirely feasible, given the current national atmosphere," stated Rabindra Mishra, deputy chairman of the party. "If the monarchy cannot be reinstated, there will be no future for the youth of this country, and the nation's existence itself could be jeopardized," as reported AP.

Gyanendra himself has refrained from commenting on the movement, maintaining a distance from overt involvement in politics since his abdication and making only infrequent public appearances. Additional groups advocating for the king's return have emerged.

"A monarchy is essential for our national identity. Without a king, we lose our essence as Nepalese, and we may as well declare ourselves refugees," asserted Pasupathi Khadga, leader of a youth organization advocating for the monarchy's reinstatement.

Until 1990, Nepal's monarchy prohibited the formation of political parties. A pro-democracy movement that year led to the introduction of elections and reduced the monarchy to a ceremonial role. Gyanendra ascended to the throne following the royal palace massacre in 2001, which claimed the lives of his elder brother, then-King Birendra, and his family.