KATHMANDU: Monarchist forces have become increasingly active in Nepal, rallying behind former King Gyanendra Shah, whose recent public appearances and statements have ignited controversy and sparked concern among republican leaders.
The resurgence of royalist sentiment has reignited debates on Nepal’s political trajectory and the viability of its federal democratic republic, established in 2008.
More than a decade has passed since Nepal officially became a republic, abolishing its centuries-old monarchy. However, recent developments indicate that the monarchy, despite being constitutionally dead, remains a lingering presence in the political and public discourse.
Former King Gyanendra Shah, who relinquished the throne in 2008 after a decade of civil war and subsequent political upheaval, has resurfaced as a symbol for disenchanted citizens frustrated with the political elite.
In the past few months, Shah has made several public appearances that have drawn significant attention. Most notably, his video message on Democracy Day on February 19 marked a dramatic departure from previous years, when he traditionally issued written statements.
In the video, Shah expressed discontent with the state of governance, questioning the competence of those leading the nation and hinting at his readiness to sacrifice once again for the country.
“We had sacrificed to solve national problems. What else should we sacrifice for the progress of Nepal? We are ready,” Shah said.
The message resonated with monarchist supporters who had been organizing smaller rallies over the past few months. It also fueled speculation about Shah’s intentions, with some suspecting that he might be positioning himself for a more active role in public life.
Prior to his Democracy Day message, Shah embarked on a tour of various districts in Gandaki Province, interacting with supporters and local civic leaders. Upon his return to Kathmandu from Pokhara on Sunday, a massive rally awaited him at Tribhuvan International Airport. Monarchist party members, including Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) Chair Rajendra Lingden and RPP Nepal Chair Kamal Thapa, were present to welcome him.
Tens of thousands of supporters thronged the route from the airport to Nirmal Niwas, chanting slogans calling for the restoration of the monarchy and condemning the ruling coalition’s alleged failures. The demonstration was one of the largest monarchist gatherings in recent years, indicating a growing dissatisfaction with the political mainstream.
Understanding the royalist sentiment
Political analysts and observers attribute the revival of monarchist sentiment to a combination of factors, including dissatisfaction with the coalition government, widespread corruption scandals, and the inefficiency of political institutions.
While the current government, led by the Nepali Congress in alliance with CPN-UML and other parties, holds nearly two-thirds of the parliamentary seats, it has faced severe criticism for its inability to deliver on crucial governance issues.
Public frustration has been mounting over the lack of progress in infrastructure development, rising inflation, and persistent unemployment. The political turmoil, marked by frequent changes in leadership and infighting among coalition partners, has left many citizens feeling betrayed by the republic’s promises of stability and prosperity.
Monarchists have cleverly tapped into this sentiment by positioning former King Gyanendra as a symbol of stability and unity. In his public addresses, Shah has often framed the monarchy as a selfless institution, capable of uniting the nation beyond the divisions perpetuated by political parties. This narrative resonates with those who feel that the political class has failed to uphold democratic ideals and address the needs of ordinary citizens.
Political parties on high alert
The growing monarchist presence has not gone unnoticed by political leaders, who have been quick to denounce any calls for the monarchy’s return. Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak publicly stated that “a monarchy cannot be an alternative to a republic,” highlighting that the political transition was a democratic achievement that should not be reversed.
Senior Nepali Congress leader Shekhar Koirala echoed this sentiment, reminding the public of the struggles that led to the establishment of the republic.
“A lot of water has flowed in the Mai Khola in these 12-15 years. Now I don’t believe in the king returning,” Koirala said, dismissing the monarchist rally as nothing more than a symbolic protest.
Pushpa Kamal Dahal, chair of the opposition Maoist Center, went further, suggesting that Shah should enter formal politics if he truly wishes to serve the people.
“If the former king wants to be a part of the political process, he should open a political party and contest elections,” Dahal said, challenging the legitimacy of Shah’s recent moves.
RPP’s political strategy
The Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP), the principal monarchist force in Nepal, has been strategically leveraging the public’s frustration to bolster its support base. Although holding just 14 seats in the federal parliament, the RPP’s influence seems to be growing, driven by its vocal critique of the government and its calls for a return to constitutional monarchy and Hindu statehood.
However, internal rifts within the RPP and between other monarchist factions remain significant challenges. While leaders like Rajendra Lingden advocate a more moderate stance, Kamal Thapa has been more direct in his calls for a monarchy revival. These differences have hindered the party’s ability to present a unified front, thereby limiting its political effectiveness despite the growing public sentiment.
While some citizens have expressed enthusiasm for the former king’s statements, others remain skeptical of the monarchy’s relevance in modern Nepal. Those in favor argue that the monarchy provided a sense of continuity and identity, which the republic has failed to maintain. Critics, however, argue that nostalgia alone cannot justify reinstating a political system that was historically autocratic and unaccountable.
The younger generation, in particular, appears divided. Some view the monarchy as a relic of the past that should be left behind, while others, disillusioned with current political dysfunction, see it as a potential stabilizing force. Social media has become a battleground for these debates, with hashtags both supporting and condemning the monarchy trending at various points.
Threat to the republic?
Despite the resurgence of monarchist voices, analysts generally agree that the monarchy’s return is unlikely. The republican framework is deeply entrenched in Nepal’s political fabric, and the political establishment remains committed to maintaining the status quo.
Still, the symbolic weight of the monarchist rallies has undoubtedly shaken the ruling coalition, forcing it to reassess its public engagement strategies.
Some political experts caution against underestimating the symbolic power of the monarchy, particularly in rural areas where loyalty to the Shah dynasty still holds cultural significance. They argue that the government’s inability to address fundamental issues, such as unemployment and corruption, could inadvertently strengthen monarchist appeals.
To counter the rise of monarchist sentiment, political parties need to address the root causes of public dissatisfaction. This means not only delivering on economic and social promises but also strengthening democratic institutions and fostering transparent governance.
Merely dismissing the royalist wave as nostalgia risks alienating a segment of the population that genuinely feels left behind by the republic.
Moreover, republican leaders must remain vigilant about the potential for political opportunism within monarchist movements. Allowing the rhetoric of resentment to fester without addressing its underlying causes could give rise to deeper societal divides.
Nepal finds itself at a crossroads, where the failures of the political class have provided a fertile ground for monarchist sentiments to resurface. While the republican order is likely to persist, it must evolve to address the grievances that have given royalist rhetoric newfound traction. The legacy of the monarchy still lingers, not as a direct threat to the political system, but as a reflection of the republic’s unmet promises.
Comment