When former King Gyanendra Shah returned from his Pokhara sojourn to Kathmandu on March 10, pro-monarchists accorded him a grand welcome, fueling speculation that royalists would stop at nothing to reinstate the Shah as monarch. Add to this Shah’s Democracy Day address, which greatly enthused royalists. In his address, Shah came down heavily on major parties and leaders for not fulfilling their promises that were made to him when he quit the throne. He said that it was he who abdicated by returning the sovereign crown to the people.
Calls to restore Nepal’s monarchy have strengthened, driven by discontent with the country’s political leaders since its abolishment in 2008. Recent pro-monarch sentiment has emboldened royalists, who’ve established a committee—headed by veteran royalist Nawa Raj Subedi—to restore the monarchy. However, from the start, this committee faced discord amongst its royalist members. Subedi’s selection to lead the committee has left many monarchists disappointed, who accused him of bitterly criticizing Gyanendra in his biography as a rent seeker and power monger during the heyday of the party-less panchayat time.
Although there are differences, some hardened pro-monarchy figures like businessman Durga Prasai and RPP MP Gyanendra Shahi believe they can restore the monarchy. Royalists allege that the failures of political leaders have driven people to look for an alternative system as political leaders are accused of corruption, nepotism, and inefficiency, which have let down the public. Prasai charged PM KP Sharma Oli and Prachanda with embezzling billions of rupees, placing the wealth in overseas banks, and investing in foreign and shell companies. Several pro-royalist leaders, including Rabindra Mishra and Subedi, would welcome Shah’s return as a constitutional monarch or as king presiding over cultural affairs.
Leaders rap former king
As a constitutional monarch, the former king had disregarded the constitution, seized power, dissolved the elected parliament, imprisoned political leaders, and personally appointed and presided over the council of his ministers, governing the nation with an iron hand during his 2001-2006 reign. Stunned by the scale of support shown to such an autocratic king, political parties swiftly condemned him and his supporters. Leaders alleged the Shah dynasty’s 240-year rule was primarily defined by debauchery, recklessness, and self-serving actions. The dictatorial rule of Gyanendra Shah and his son, Paras Shah’s abuse of power as prince and crown prince drew heavy criticism from leaders and party workers, who cautioned any attempt to reinstate monarchy would be counterproductive to the former king. Shah received harsh criticism from Prachanda, the Maoist Centre Chair, who claims his party was the chief architect of Nepal’s republican transformation. He blamed Shah for smuggling ancient artifacts and idols and for his role in the notorious June 2001 palace massacre. The actions of pro-monarchists have infuriated major politicians, most significantly Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, who challenged the former monarch to enter politics, contest, and win the election to rule the nation. The Nepali Congress president ruled out the former king’s return, stating the nation has made a lot of progress under the current federal republican system.
Even as royalists take to the streets, waving flags and posters of the King and, surprisingly, that of Yogi Adityanath, Chief Minister of the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, and calling for the king’s return, the question remains: Will the former king and royalists win the hearts of the people, enabling them to bring back the king?
Many people say that a large chunk of individuals who have rallied around Gyanendra have profited from Shah kings’ rule in the past. This group contains ex-royalists, officials, and other privileged individuals during former kings’ rule. The former king’s restoration is espoused by these individuals due to their economic and ideological connections to the monarchy. Ironically, the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) and RPP Nepal of Kamal Thapa and several pro-Hindu organizations, who publicly support the former king, have, however, failed to acquire considerable popular support in elections and other forums, making the king’s reinstatement still a distant hope.
Hindu element
Pro-Hindu sentiments have also increased support for the monarchy. Numerous royalists in Nepal advocate for a return to Hinduism, viewing secularism as a Western agenda. Many Hindus believe Nepali monarchs are reincarnated Hindu gods, Lord Vishnu. Therefore, for them, Hinduism and monarchy are closely linked. Gyanendra Shah frequents numerous religious locations, likely to maintain support from Hindu groups in Nepal and beyond. Some believe external factors have intensified the pro-monarchy movement. Nepal’s potential return to a Hindu monarchy is receiving support from India’s Bharatiya Janata Party. Historically, Indian influence has been a key factor in Nepal’s political changes. Gyanendra’s attempt to regain the crown might, according to some, receive support from India.
Nonetheless, it’s incorrect to assert that Nepal has seen no development as a federal democratic republic. The nation has seen significant progress in its human development index and per capita income. Overseas work and remittance opportunities are now open to Nepalese people. Going abroad was far more difficult when monarchs ruled the nation with absolute power. The processes of getting a passport and owning a simple transistor radio were once arduous.
International organizations, including the United Nations, have applauded Nepal’s strides in education, health, and infrastructure. The argument that everything’s worsened under democracy overlooks these successes. For Nepal, democracy is not the problem but the necessity for better governance. Rather than returning to an outmoded monarchy, the solution to the current problem lies in deepening democracy, holding politicians responsible, and further modernizing the system.
No mainstream support
Despite royalists becoming very active, they lack mainstream support. Even if 80-year-old Gyanendra Shah returns as king, his autocratic nature, age, and previous failures cast doubt on his capacity to reign. His son, Paras, has not demonstrated any leadership skills. Many cast doubts that restoring the monarchy in Nepal may lead to further political instability, as kingship may give rise to many power centers. The king's supporters may attempt to maintain hold of such centers, annoying the public and parties alike.
Finally, it won’t be an exaggeration to state that the call for monarchy will become even stronger if our leaders and the government remain corrupt and apathetic to the public’s sentiments. But the campaign to reinstate the former king may well fade away when the leaders improve their performance, keep their promises, and regain people's trust, since popular support still backs the political parties. Those in favor of the current federal democratic republic contend that the flaws of politicians don’t justify a monarchy. Street protests and foreign support for a Hindu monarch don’t mean the entire nation desires the king’s return. However, consistent pro-monarchy campaigns and narratives, focusing on the Hindu agenda and the public’s disappointment with politicians, could in future earn pro-royalists the required popular backing.