Over the past few weeks, Nepal has been hell-bent on showing that the king (as a titular figure) is far from dead, and indeed, there are still many in the Himalayan country shouting ‘long live the king’ nearly 17 years after the monarchy was abolished.
Over the past few weeks, Kathmandu has been the epicentre of massive protests, with thousands demanding the return of the monarchy. This surge in pro-monarchy demonstrations has been fuelled by widespread dissatisfaction with the political establishment, economic instability, and corruption that have plagued the country over the past two decades or so. The protests that led to violent clashes with police on March 28 have left three dead and over 100 under arrested, as the country grapples with the challenges of an increasingly divided political landscape.
At the heart of this royalist resurgence lies the figure of former King Gyanendra Shah. Though he has not openly sought to reclaim the throne, his messages, which express concern over the country’s deteriorating political and economic situation, have struck a chord with many Nepalese, who see him as a symbol of stability in a time of turmoil. When Shah returned to Kathmandu in February after a two-month pilgrimage, thousands of supporters greeted him at the airport, chanting slogans such as “Raja Aau Desh Bachau” (“Come back and save the country, O King”).
However, the political leadership has largely resisted these calls, with ruling coalition members voicing strong opposition to any return to king’s rule. On March 28, as royalist protesters clashed with police, leaders from the ruling coalition used the opportunity to demand the arrest of the former king, accusing him of inciting unrest. Former Prime Ministers Pushpa Kamal Dahal or Prachanda and Madhav Kumar Nepal of the Maoist Centre warned Shah not to even think about reclaiming the throne. They called for action from Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli, who faces his own share of controversy regarding corruption allegations.
But as the protests escalate, it’s clear that the anger brewing on the streets is a direct response to the political elite’s failure to deliver on the promises of the republican experiment that began in 2008. Since the abolition of the monarchy, Nepal has seen 13 governments in 17 years, each one unable to offer the country political stability. The promise of a more democratic, secular Nepal has not materialised in the way many had hoped, with the country instead plagued by political infighting, corruption scandals, and economic stagnation. From Prime Minister Oli’s involvement in a land scam to accusations against former PMs Prachanda, Sher Bahadur Deuba, and others, it is clear that the political establishment’s credibility has eroded.
The allegations of corruption and mismanagement have left many citizens feeling betrayed, especially as economic conditions continue to deteriorate. Thousands of youths are leaving the country in search of better opportunities abroad, while the country’s unemployment rate remains high. The feeling that the political elite is more interested in enriching themselves than in addressing the needs of the people has given rise to a swelling tide of pro-monarchy sentiment. Durga Prasai, a former Maoist guerrilla, has become one of the most vocal advocates for a restored monarchy. Prasai, whose past includes helping unite the Maoist factions and being involved in key political negotiations, has pivoted from Left-wing politics to embrace royalist ideals. His campaign, “Protect the Nation, Nationalism, Religion, Culture, and Citizens”, has attracted tens of thousands of supporters, many of whom are disillusioned with the republican system.
Prasai’s rhetoric, which mixes national pride with a critique of the political system, has resonated with those who feel that the promise of democracy has not lived up to expectations. His fiery speeches and social media campaigns have thrust him into the limelight, eclipsing other more traditional royalist leaders. However, this movement faces significant challenges. While there is growing support for the return of the monarchy, it is unclear whether this support can coalesce into a viable political force. The royalists remain divided on the specifics of what a restored monarchy would look like – some favour a full restoration, while others advocate for a symbolic, constitutional role for the king. On the other hand, pro-republican forces are likely to resist any moves that would roll back the gains of the last two decades.
Nepal’s future hangs in the balance. The return of the monarchy may offer a sense of stability and unity, but it is not a panacea for the deep-seated issues that have plagued the nation. It is clear that the country needs leadership that can break free from the cycles of corruption and political instability. Whether that leadership comes from the monarchy, the political establishment, or a new movement entirely remains to be seen.