King’s Resurrection from the Graveyard
A crowd of around 10,000 to 15,000 people welcomed former King Gyanendra to Kathmandu. Supporters chanted, "Bring back monarchy," expressing their continued support for the king, who was removed from power in 2008. This raises the question: If he is still so loved, why was he removed in the first place?
Revisiting Monarchy: Leadership, Legacy, and the Future of Nepal
Why was the king dethroned in Nepal? Seizing absolute power, sacking governments, declaring a state of emergency, and imposing strict media censorship—actions he should never have taken—led to his downfall. But what about the advisors who pushed him in that direction? Are they still part of the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP), and could they play a role if the king returns to power?
Resurgence of the Fountain Pen: #RightToWrite
What about the leaders driving this massive movement? One is a businessman drowning in billions of debts—once an ally of KP Oli, now his enemy. Is he truly capable of leading Nepal for the people’s benefit? Highly doubtful.
What if Gyanendra returns to power, even in a ceremonial or constitutional monarchy? Is he prepared to take the reins again, considering it was his attempt to seize control that led to his dethronement in the first place? Now, questions arise: Who truly stands with the king, and can those same forces help revive his legacy? And perhaps most crucially—is Paras prepared to succeed him?
Fueling the Comeback
So, what could be the solution? Not everything is against him, thanks to the political leaders from the "big three"—the Nepali Congress, the Communist Party of Nepal (UML), and the Maoists. Fourteen prime ministers in fifteen years, many of them the same faces within these three parties—highlight the instability, with power rotating among them. These parties keep switching alliances to retain power, and the current coalition is more focused on shielding each other from corruption scandals. Meanwhile, the prime minister struts with the confidence of a man who thinks he’s untouchable. Months ago, he laughed off his own promise, claiming that railways on every doorstep would leave no room for houses—apparently, a brilliant excuse for doing absolutely nothing.
Even more absurd is their relentless push to pass ludicrous bills, such as the Bill to Amend the Corruption Prevention Act, which imposes a five-year statute of limitations on corruption cases, another bill that would require permission from the person involved in the crime to film their own criminal acts. Public outrage on social media brought this madness into the spotlight before it could become law, but the government's response has been to introduce a new social media bill aimed at controlling journalists and stifling genuine journalism. Meanwhile opposition leaders are buried under legal avalanches, their reputation shredded. As economist-turned-politician Dr. Swarnim Wagle puts it: “This isn’t rule of law—it’s rule by law, weaponized.”
A Viable Alternative?
Imagine if the former king were to lead a protest demanding a directly elected prime minister with a stable five-year term, a referendum on federalism structure and the status of a Hindu state, and a government where ministers have genuine degrees and relevant experience. As Nepal navigates its future, crucial decisions regarding governance and cultural identity are taking center stage. From an economic standpoint, Nepal could significantly benefit from embracing its identity as a Hindu state. Once a Hindu nation, Nepal must recognize the economic value of its cultural heritage, as evidenced by events like Mahakumbh 2025, which attracted millions of tourists. Additionally, the economic burden doesn’t stem from federalism itself, but from its structure. It’s time to reconsider the high costs associated with seven provinces and 753 local governments. This movement would undoubtedly galvanize widespread support, especially if the king wisely chooses his allies.When it comes to allies, none rival India. Since the Sugauli Treaty of 1816, every significant political shift in Nepal has been shaped by events in India. Every 15 to 20 years—1951, 1990, 2006—Nepal has erupted, with India playing a crucial role in these changes.
People’s Voice: The Power to Shape Nepal’s Future
As political decay reaches its boiling point, the prospect of the former king’s return gains momentum. While the public may not strongly favor the king, the stark ineptitude of the current government makes the idea of a constitutional monarchy seem less like blind nostalgia and more like a practical response to the failure to deliver. Ultimately, it is the people’s voice that must decide Nepal’s future—rooted in Hinduism, reformed federalism, and a constitutional monarchy.
