KATHMANDU: A royalist protest held at Shanti Batika, Ratna Park, turned contentious as demonstrators chanted abusive and objectionable slogans against top political leaders, including Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli.
While the rally was initially billed as a peaceful demonstration advocating for the restoration of the monarchy and abolition of federalism, much of the attention was drawn to the vitriolic chants targeting major political figures.
Protesters shouted slogans deemed undignified and provocative, blaming current and former political leaders for what they called the country’s “ruin under republicanism.”
Alongside calls for reinstating the monarchy and declaring Nepal a Hindu nation, chants included “Down with traitors” and “Abolish the corrupt republic.”
Despite the provocative language, royalist leaders maintained that the protest would remain peaceful. Protesters claimed their participation was inspired by former King Gyanendra’s recent statement, in which he urged the public to “rise and save the nation.”
The protest is part of a broader campaign by over 45 pro-monarchy and pro-Hindu organizations who have vowed to intensify their movement until their demands—including the reinstatement of the monarchy and a Hindu state—are met.
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