KATHMANDU: Royalist activities in Nepal have intensified over the past month, with one group after another taking to the streets to demand the restoration of the monarchy and a Hindu nation.
The momentum has been growing steadily since former King Gyanendra Shah’s return from Pokhara on March 9, when a visibly united royalist front welcomed him. The movement gained further traction after a March 28 demonstration in Tinkune, Kathmandu — led by Durga Prasai and Nawaraj Subedi — turned violent, drawing widespread attention.
Despite the arrest of several leaders, royalist groups and parties have continued to stage public events, keeping the streets heated with their demands.
On Monday, key royalist leaders gathered at Shanti Batika in Ratna Park at an event organized by Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) Nepal.
The event brought together prominent figures from various royalist factions on a single stage, demonstrating a rare show of unity. Originally planned to be held at Bhrikuti Mandap, the program was shifted to Shanti Batika.
RPP Nepal General Secretary Rajaram Bartaula said the rally was organized to protest against a proposed law that would restrict opposition to secularism. He also reiterated demands for the release of those arrested during the Tinkune incident, the reinstatement of the monarchy, and the formation of a new government.
The gathering reflected widespread coordination efforts led by RPP Nepal Chair Kamal Thapa, who reached out to like-minded leaders including RPP Chair Rajendra Lingden, United People’s Movement Committee Coordinator Nawaraj Subedi, and Rastriya Shakti Nepal Chairman Keshar Bahadur Bista.
Other organizations such as the Rashtra Bachau Abhiyan, Nepali Congress (BP), and Shiv Sena Nepal were also involved in the coordination.
Several senior leaders attended Monday’s rally, including RPP Chair Rajendra Lingden, Senior Vice President Bikram Pandey, and General Secretary Dhawal Shumsher Rana. Monarchist leaders Keshar Bahadur Bista and Nawaraj Subedi also marked their presence.
The show of unity among the royalist factions signals a growing push to bring monarchy-related issues back to the center of Nepal’s political discourse.
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