In an exclusive interview with Avenues TV on Wednesday in Janakpur, Gyanendra Shah said, "I do not think that monarchy has come to an end. This is a hypothetical question."[break]
"If we turn the pages of history, such ups and downs and exits and entries are common. Let the people decide what they want, shouldering their grave responsibility," Shah said.
In its very first sitting on May 28, 2008, the Constituent Assembly (CA) had announced the abolition of the 240-old-year monarchy and declared the country a republic.
Shah also said that he has learnt a lesson from the step he took on February 1, 2005, dismissing the then civilian government and taking all executive powers into his hands.
"The move of February 1 teaches a lesson. May be it is a message from the people. It could be that the people do not want an active monarch," Shah said. He added, “This is an issue that requires further consideration.”
“People must have understood the norms and values of that move,” he added.
Shah, however, said people should understand that a king has to play the role of a “guardian” and has to take steps in the interest of the country and people´s security.
“The situation then was different. Now it is time to think how the country will move ahead to become successful and prosperous.”
He claimed, “I left power for the sake of peace and stability, without asking for anything.”
Asked about allegations of his being involved in power games from behind the scenes, Shah said, "If that was the case at all, it would have already happened."
He added, "We never had that sort of thinking. Nor do we have that kind of intention."
Answering a question on his waning popularity, Shah said, “There is an illusion among the public over this. No king has striven for power, and no king has said that he is a god. That happened because of the people´s love and trust.” He added, “Personally, I have never felt uneasy about going amongst the people.”
He also said he has “no answer” for those people who showed him so much love and affection Wednesday in Janakpur. “I must thank the people,” he remarked.
Stating that there is a need for establishing security, peace and stability in the country as soon as possible, Shah said, “What the people wish is my wish also.” There should be a place to “accommodate everyone” Shah said.
“The way our ancestors united the country under one umbrella, I wish that garland will not be snapped,” he said.
Asked to comment about the current political situation, Shah said, “It is better to ask this question to the people.”
On the republican set-up, Shah said, “If ordinary people are happy then we cannot say anything. But if the people are not happy, then political leaders should give recognition to people´s aspirations.”
On the royal massacre, Shah said, “I was not in Kathmandu during the royal massacre. And the facts and truth have already come out through those family members who survived the incident and also from the probe commission.”
Referring to his stay at Nagarjuna Palace, Shah said, “There are many advantage to living in a jungle.” He added, “It gives an opportunity to think. But I am now worried about the nation and national unity.”
He said he intends to remain in Nepal and serve the Nepali people. “I always planned to live in Nepal, I want to live here today and would continue living here tomorrow,” Shah remarked.
Shah had reached Ram Janaki temple on the occasion of Ram Nawami.
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