Fishing in Murky Waters

Former King Gyanendra Shah's New Year message, where he expressed sorrow over the pro-monarchy Tinkune protest on March 28, might find favor with his followers. While many accused him of instigating his followers for the violent protest in Tinkune areas, he failed to even acknowledge the twin casualties and destruction during a few hours of violent protests that day. Many saw his speech as a display of his displeasure with republicanism, which the country embraced after his ouster in 2008. All have witnessed how his supporters turned violent even when he praised the virtues of constitutional monarchy and national unity. The pro-monarchy demonstration at Tinkune turned violent under the leadership of Durga Prasain who was inclined to act more like a hooligan and vandal on that day. Prasain had been appointed the commander of the protest rally, allegedly by the ex-monarch himself. Shah's earlier remarks on Democracy Day in February also played its part in adding fuel to the fire, inciting his loyalists to go to any lengths in order to press for the reinstatement of monarchy. The former king’s remarks showed that he has not remained a passive individual even as the nation moved ahead with republicanism. Political parties and analysts grumbled at his remarks, which many alleged were an endorsement of violence and vandalism. As such, he emerged as a divisive figure who incited pro-royalist elements against the present system of governance. Because of his alleged role as an instigator, lawmakers asked for summoning the ex-king to the parliamentary panel for grilling. The demand is understandable following Tinkune mayhem.

Gyanendra Shah would do well to remember and respect the circumstances that led Nepal become a republic. The monarchy, despite its legacy of 240 years, was consigned to the annals of history after he took absolute power into his hands in 2005, and jailed political leaders. People fought back, protested and resisted him because they believed in a democratic process. The Spring 2006 protests – also known as Jana Andolan II – had effectively dethroned him by the time the people's movement drew to a close in late April that year. Shah and his supporters, however, are dissatisfied with politicians and political parties in the existing republican system. The expectations of effective governance have not been met by politicians and political parties. Corruption, cronyism, and inefficiency have now become prevalent evils. As people are angry with politicians and parties, the pro-monarchists desire to exploit people’s resentment to their favor. However, any solution to these problems lies not in the return of a failed and discredited monarchy represented by no other than the former king himself. The shortcomings of a system and politics can be and must be addressed through reforms and positive changes, but not by a retreat to a failed system of the yore. Shah's plea for unity and going beyond "ideological divisions" to address national issues looks attractive, but his use of conciliatory language loses shine when he is accused of maintaining silence or even supporting pro-monarchy violence. Such an attitude from the former king is harmful for Nepal, where democratic and republican ideals are yet to take firm root.

A return to monarchy is next to impossible. Period. The erstwhile king's tendency to instigate his followers has become more glaring recently. If the ex-monarch, along with his fanatic loyalists, do not demonstrate respect for the present system and if they continue to challenge the system, covertly or overtly, they will certainly face serious public backlash. Should that happen it certainly does not bode well for the ex-monarch.