On March 9, Nepal’s former king, Gyanendra Shah, returned to Kathmandu amidst heightened security measures. His arrival triggered widespread public demonstrations, with thousands of people rallying to demand the restoration of the monarchy in the country. The movement to reinstate the monarchy has been common in the country since the famous 2006 movement. These demands are fueled by public dissatisfaction with the current political system, which is a communist government.
Grand welcome and public outcry for monarchy
As the 77-year-old former monarch stepped out of Tribhuvan International Airport after his visit to western Nepal, he was met with a massive crowd waving Nepal’s national flag and chanting slogans like, “Come King, Save Us!” and “We Want Our King Back.”
The rally was largely organised by the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP), a pro-monarchy political group that has been vocal about reinstating Nepal’s royal rule. Demonstrators also called for the abolition of the federal republican system, which replaced the monarchy in 2008.
According to media reports, an estimated 10,000 supporters gathered outside the airport, completely blocking its main entrance. Despite the intensity of the protests, no incidents of violence were reported.
Decline of Monarchy and rising public discontent
Nepal’s monarchy, which had lasted for 240 years, was abolished in 2008 following a decade-long civil war that claimed over 16,000 lives. The move was seen as a democratic transition to a federal republic. However, over the years, growing political instability, allegations of corruption, and economic downturns have caused increasing frustration among the Nepalese people.
Many protestors in Kathmandu as quoted in media reports express their dissatisfaction with the current governance, citing inflation, unemployment, and the deteriorating state of education and healthcare.
As per reports, Rajindra Kunwar, a teacher who participated in the rally, voiced his concerns: “The country faces instability, prices are high, people are jobless, and there is a lack of education and healthcare facilities. The poor are dying of hunger. The law applies to the public but not to politicians. That’s why we need the king back.”
The frustration has even led some former republic supporters to reconsider their stance. Kulraj Shrestha, a carpenter who initially supported the abolition of the monarchy, admitted his disappointment with the current political landscape. “I was in the protests that took away the monarchy, hoping it would help the country, but I was mistaken. The nation has further plunged, so I have changed my mind,” he remarked.
Gyanendra’s public re-emergence and his message to Nepal
Despite remaining largely silent on political matters since his removal, Gyanendra Shah has recently made several public appearances, leading many to speculate about his potential return to power. On the eve of Nepal’s Democracy Day in February, he released a statement urging national unity: “It is now time. If we wish to save our nation and maintain national unity, I call on all countrymen to support us for Nepal’s prosperity and progress.”
Following his return to Kathmandu, security was tightened around the Narayanhiti Palace Museum, the former royal residence. Rumors circulated that Gyanendra might attempt to re-enter the palace with his supporters. However, he instead proceeded to his private residence, Nirmal Niwas, without incident.
Bollywood actress Manisha Koirala, who is the granddaughter of Nepal’s first elected Prime Minister BP Koirala, urged Nepalis on social media to gather at the airport to welcome the former monarch.
India’s historic role
The resurgence of pro-monarchy sentiment has also drawn international attention. India, which has historically maintained close ties with Nepal’s monarchy, had previously advised Nepal’s political leaders against completely abolishing the institution. In 2005, when protests against King Gyanendra’s rule escalated, India played a crucial mediating role in Nepal’s transition.
In May 2006, New Delhi brokered an agreement between the king and Nepal’s political parties, proposing a constitutional monarchy within the new democratic framework. However, this agreement was eventually disregarded, and by June 2006, the king’s powers were stripped entirely by an act of Parliament.
India’s role as a stabilising force was further evident in November 2006 when it brokered the peace accord between Nepal’s Maoists and the government, effectively ending the decade-long insurgency. As a result, the monarchy was ultimately abolished in 2008. Yet, many in India’s diplomatic circles still believe that a constitutional monarchy could provide political stability in Nepal, preventing frequent government changes caused by shifting party alliances and defections.
A former Nepalese ambassador to India, who also served as a federal minister, echoed these sentiments: “India has had traditionally strong ties with the monarchy in Nepal. India believes that the monarchy can have a stabilising influence over Nepal’s fractious polity and political system. A constitutional monarchy can provide continuity and can also act as a bulwark against destabilising influences.”
China’s perspective on Nepal’s political turmoil
While India has historically played a role in Nepal’s political evolution, China has also shown interest in the country’s governance stability. A senior functionary at the Nepal Institute for Policy Research pointed out that Nepal’s internal instability affects not only its domestic situation but also its international trade and investment partnerships.
A former deputy executive director of Nepal’s Institute of Foreign Affairs (IFA) suggested that China sees potential benefits in Nepal having a constitutional monarchy. He explained: “China tried its best for many years to unite our communist parties in order to bring about political stability in the country but failed. China also believes, like India, that it can deal with a constitutional monarch in the face of frequent changes in government in Nepal and that a monarch can ensure continuity of China’s interests (trade and investments) in Nepal.”
The political landscape of Nepal remains deeply fragmented, and any attempt to restore the monarchy would require significant legal and constitutional changes.
