KATHMANDU: On Sunday, former King Gyanendra Shah showcased his influence by mobilizing various monarchist groups.
The monarchist demonstration, following a video message from the former king on Falgun 7, has heightened suspicions among republicans, further fueling the tension.
In response, republic-supporting leaders have started issuing stern warnings, advising the former king to remain in his place.
Pampha Bhusal, Vice Chair of the Maoist Center, emphasized that the alternative to a republic is an advanced republic, not a return to monarchy.
Civil society members have also weighed in, calling for a change in party working styles to address growing concerns.
Meanwhile, monarchist leaders argue that maintaining one king would be easier than dealing with a thousand “kings” in the form of party cadres.
After 17 years of being sidelined, monarchists are attempting to challenge the republican system, but their efforts are marked by confusion and disarray.
In response, the CPN (Maoist Center) held a meeting on Monday, concluding that reactionaries have capitalized on public dissatisfaction with the government’s performance.
The Maoists have pointed to the resurgence of ultra-Hindu groups and former Panchayat supporters, who are using the monarchy as a rallying point as the government shifts its focus from the people’s agenda to catering to the corrupt, brokers, and capitalists.
In a development that raised further questions, the Maoists ended their ‘Terai-Madhes Jagaran Abhiyan’ campaign in Rautahat after learning of the royalists’ activity in the capital.
This raised several key questions: Why did the Maoists halt their Madhesh campaign after the royalists formed a front in Kathmandu?
Why did they return to the capital, abandoning the Jagran Abhiyan? What is their strategy moving forward? And importantly, what weaknesses allowed the royalists to take to the streets?
To explore these questions, a conversation with Pampha Bhusal sheds light on the current political situation. Excerpts:
Why did the Maoists return from Madhesh after the pro-monarchists took to the streets?
Despite public dissatisfaction with the current government, an attempt was made to capitalize on these sentiments. However, the republic we established through years of struggle is not so easily weakened.
Our goal is not just to suspend the campaign, but to challenge the government and warn the reactionaries. There are still other important tasks ahead, including preparations for the elections of the Independent Students Union.
What happened in the party office bearers’ meeting on Monday?
We expressed our protest over two main issues. The first is the environment created by the government that benefits regression. The second is the failure to foster trust among the people, which could lead to its destruction.
It is unacceptable that reactionaries are attempting to spark a counter-revolution.
The Maoists, who led the movement for the republic, are ready to defend it once again. We are prepared to play whatever role is necessary to strengthen the republic.
What role can the Maoists play?
We will address two points here. First: In the federal democratic republic that we fought for, everyone has the right to speak and express their views.
Under the autocratic rule, there was no freedom of speech, movement, or organization. These freedoms were earned through the republic, and they must be protected.
Second: The current government was formed through the initiative of middlemen and capitalist brokers, who have undermined good governance.
The daily functioning of the government reflects this – it does not want to investigate corruption and instead protects the interests of the corrupt.
Political vendettas are being carried out on the basis of support and opposition, while policy corruption thrives. This has caused confusion and unrest among the people, resulting in widespread disappointment and anger.
The idea of restoring an autocratic government by the forces defeated in the movement is misguided.
A government that fails to uphold the will of the people, the constitution, the law, transparency, and good governance is unworthy.
The reactionaries, attempting to revive the monarchy, are misguided. Restoring the monarchy would not benefit the country and could increase interference from external forces.
Your analysis of those who joined forces in favor of the monarchy yesterday? Isn’t this normal?
The traditional monarchy ended on 19th Jestha 2058 BS, following the royal massacre. Had the authorities investigated those crimes, the perpetrators would have been in prison.
If the people were to investigate the killings, violence, oppression, and other injustices under the autocratic regime after the establishment of the republic, where would the monarchy be today?
These individuals, once sent into exile with security and facilities, are now trying to return as “fake kings.” The people will not accept this.
The republic is not a distant concept; it is something very close to the people. They have not forgotten the sacrifices made to overthrow the monarchy.
No one has forgotten the struggle and sacrifices that led to the establishment of the republic. The people have embraced democracy and the transformation of sovereign citizens into active citizens.
Every citizen now aspires to contribute to the state or hold executive office. The Nepali people are aware and will not give up this path.
However, this is not a game. The government must improve its working style. It should not ignore the concerns raised by the opposition.
The government should not prioritize feeding its cadres but should focus on advancing the people’s issues.
The alternative to the republic is an advanced republic. The monarchy has become a myth, and no one has the right to disturb society by reviving it.
Should the royalist protests be seen only as discontent with the government? Shouldn’t the parties also improve their working style?
The lack of enthusiasm for the government is evident in its daily activities. The government reacts to media questions with fines and ordinances targeting social media. What the people expected from the republic has not been fulfilled.
The government has been pushing for constitutional amendments without any clear purpose. What are these amendments, who will implement them, and in what context?
These are questions left unanswered. At the same time, royalists are searching for space, which is a serious issue. The government is partly responsible for creating this atmosphere.
The government must take a more responsible approach. The values and norms of a republic – good governance, transparency, and proper law enforcement – should be the foundation.
The people sent Gyanendra Shah to Nirmal Niwas and Nagarjuna. It is absurd to consider this a weakness.
We must understand that these forces can’t take away the land and resources provided by the Nepali people. We oppose the audacity of regression and counter-revolution.
The parties must also be aware of their responsibilities and not forget the people’s agenda in favor of reducing power. We have done our own self-criticism.
During the Maoist-led government, we did not fail the people. We agree that all parties must improve their working styles. We are also receiving suggestions from the people as part of the Terai-Madhesh Jagran campaign.
But why are the parties so scared if it is not the fault of the parties?
No one is scared, but no one is exempt from undermining the system. This system was created through the sacrifice of 10,000 martyrs and a decade of struggle.
It is a constitution written by the people’s representatives through the Constituent Assembly, twice. No one has the right to go against it.
Now, there is an attempt to manipulate the people, but the people know their history and the suffering they endured in the past.
So, is the analysis here that yesterday’s protesters are organized royalists?
I won’t say all of them, but certain groups did benefit from the former king in some way or another. Some were indeed organized.
This can be seen in different ways. In a democracy, people are allowed to express their opinions and protest, but not to create chaos.
It has been heard that some Indian leaders and Hindus are supporting the campaign to bring back the King. Is that true?
Yes, this has been said, but it has not been confirmed. I don’t think we should go that far at this stage.
For rxample, the Royalists carried a photo of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. What is your comment on this?
I also saw that on social media. Who posted it and who carried it? This is an internal matter for us. It should be resolved internally. The government should investigate how this photo was promoted. We cannot weaken our internal matters.
Whose job is it to make the Republic strong?
The government must correct itself. It should be accountable to the people, constitutional, transparent, and run according to the law.
The people’s disappointment must be transformed into hope. To restore the people’s trust, the government must immediately improve its actions.
Right now, actions are being taken to sink profit-making institutions. Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has not recognized the work of Kulman Ghising, the Managing Director of the Electricity Authority, who has brought light to the people’s homes.
The government has also overlooked the Maoists. It has taken action against those doing good, while the corrupt remain unchecked.
The protection of land mafias must be stopped. The government must listen to everyone, correct its weaknesses, and strengthen the republic.
If it fails to do so, it will fall into a pit. If the government continues this way, we will also have to protest.
In that case, will the Maoists also protest? Who will they protest against — the monarchists or the fovernment?
Yes, we will warn both the government and the monarchists. The decision of whether to protest on the streets or speak in parliament will depend on the situation. We are ready to do both.
No one is exempt from undermining this system. We are prepared to go to the people, identify wrongdoings, and take action.
Finally, what is your suggestion for the former King and the monarchists?
The people have accepted the republic. Under the rule of the people, instead of making noise, it is better to engage in politics and go to the people.
Participating in the electoral process is the right way forward. However, it was not right for the former king to present himself as a monarch. Showing power on the streets will not achieve anything.
There is a process to enter parliament as a servant of the people, but creating chaos and making noise on the streets is not the right approach.
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