Kathmandu witnessed a major political upheaval on Friday, March 28, as thousands of pro-monarchy demonstrators flooded the streets, demanding the restoration of the constitutional monarchy. Supporters of former King Gyanendra Shah outnumbered attendees of a Left Front rally, leading to violent clashes with the police. The unrest resulted in three deaths and 110 arrests, prompting the government to deploy the army to control the situation.
The growing discontent with Nepal’s republican system has turned Gyanendra, who lost his throne 19 years ago, into a unifying figure for citizens frustrated with corruption, governance failures, and economic instability. Although the former King has not explicitly sought a return to power, he has consistently engaged with the public, expressing concern over Nepal’s deteriorating socio-economic conditions. His recent statements have resonated with many, particularly his suggestion that a traditional society like Nepal might still need a monarchy as a symbol of unity.
On Sunday, the political crisis escalated further when members of the ruling coalition protested in Parliament, demanding the arrest of Gyanendra Shah. However, the pro-monarchy Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) dismissed the threat and dared the government to take action against him. The political divide between republicans and monarchy supporters appears to be deepening, raising concerns about further instability in the Himalayan nation.
Gyanendra’s recent message on February 18, the eve of Nepal’s Democracy Day, reflected his growing influence. While calling for national unity and reconciliation, he subtly hinted that his abdication in 2008 had not yielded the expected improvements, further fueling the debate over the monarchy’s relevance in Nepal’s future. As protests intensify, Nepal finds itself at a critical juncture, grappling with unresolved political and social tensions.
