KATHMANDU: The political arena in Nepal is witnessing a tug-of-war between republicans and monarchists, spurred by Durga Prasai’s campaign to reinstate the institution of monarchy.
This growing tension has put major political parties on what political pundits and observers view, ‘high alert’.
With Prasai gaining support in Kathmandu and the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) rallying in Jhapa in favor of the monarchy, concerns are rising among pro-republicans about maintaining stability.
Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda convened a meeting of 12-point supporters last Tuesday to address the escalating enthusiasm for former King Gyanendra.
The focus of the meeting was on devising strategies to safeguard the existing system amid increasing public discontent and frustration with the leadership’s working style.
The parties conveyed a unified message that they are committed to protecting the current political system.
However, leaders acknowledge that the sizable gatherings in Kathmandu and Jhapa supporting the monarchy are not necessarily anti-system but reflect dissatisfaction with political parties and leaders’ functioning.
They assert that the street protests do not necessarily indicate a desire to return to monarchical rule.
Public opinion has recently shifted in favor of the monarchy. Nevertheless, monarchist forces, much like the Communist Party, are divided and driven by individual interests.
The RPP aims to strengthen its position in elections, Durga Prasai seeks to clear his bank loans, Kamal Thapa strives to salvage his political standing, and smaller organizations aim to assert their existence.
The mantle of monarchy is now carried by various forces, including the RPP, RPP Nepal, and the Prasai-led campaign, among others.
However, former king Gyanendra remains cautious and does not fully trust any particular faction.
RPP Nepal, led by Kamal Thapa, on Monday appealed to all “nationalist, patriotic, and democratic parties” and groups advocating for a constitutional monarchy and Hindu nation, and opposing federalism, to form a broader national unified front.
He emphasized the need for like-minded individuals and forces to unite in light of the belief that dispersed efforts will not bring about the desired change.
Prasai, too, believes that all pro-monarchy forces should unite.
He stated, “We will move forward together with all like-minded forces to reinstate the institution of monarchy in the country.”
Furthermore, the RPP led by Rajendra Lingden appears to support the idea of monarchists advancing collectively.
Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba contended that a republic is the only viable alternative.
Meanwhile, speaking at a program in Chitwan on Monday, he adamantly expressed his lack of concern over royalist activism, emphasizing that opposing the republic is futile.
While the royalists strive to showcase their strength through marches, the predominant parties in both the ruling and opposition camps are adopting a stance that deems a change in the system as unattainable.
CPN-UML Chairman KP Oli, who has directed criticism towards the monarchists, dismissed the monarchy as a ‘dead ghost,’ asserting that ‘fools without consciousness are marching to revive the monarchy.
Oli believes that the notion of reinstating the monarchy is a mere daydream.
Currently, efforts are underway to exploit the weaknesses of political parties, channeling discontent into street gatherings.
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