Nepal Protesters Demand Return of King, Monarchy \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Tens of thousands of pro-monarchy protesters rallied in Kathmandu, Nepal, demanding the return of the former king and restoration of Hinduism as the state religion. The demonstration coincided with Republic Day celebrations, prompting fears of conflict between rival groups. The movement reflects growing frustration with Nepal’s political leadership.
Quick Looks
- Over 20,000 people rallied in Kathmandu demanding monarchy restoration.
- Protesters call for ex-King Gyanendra’s return as head of state.
- Movement also urges reinstatement of Hinduism as state religion.
- Rally held near Republic Day celebrations by PM Oli’s supporters.
- Riot police deployed to prevent clashes between opposing groups.
- Nepal abolished monarchy in 2008, establishing a republic.
- Protesters blame corruption and instability on current political leadership.
- Former king Gyanendra has not responded to growing support.
Deep Look
In a dramatic show of force and nostalgia, tens of thousands of Nepalis marched through Kathmandu on Thursday, demanding the restoration of the monarchy and the return of former King Gyanendra Shah to power. Amid chants of loyalty, religious symbolism, and deep frustration with the political establishment, the protest marked the most significant royalist mobilization in recent years — and a moment of reckoning for Nepal’s democratic republic.
More than 20,000 demonstrators, many waving traditional red-and-white royal flags and chanting pro-monarchy slogans, surged through the heart of the capital. The protest’s core demands were twofold: reinstate the centuries-old monarchy and restore Hinduism as the official state religion — both of which were abolished in the aftermath of Nepal’s transition to a republic in 2008.
“This is not just about one man — it’s about our history, our culture, and our identity,” said Dil Nath Giri, a longtime royalist and one of the protest’s lead organizers. “We’re here to remind the nation that the republic has failed to deliver.”
The demonstration took place just meters from a government-organized Republic Day celebration, where supporters of Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Oli gathered in parallel. With tensions running high and the potential for confrontation looming, security forces deployed in large numbers to keep the groups apart. Riot police stood guard throughout the city, and authorities staggered the timing of the rallies to reduce the risk of clashes.
The political symbolism of the protest could not have been more stark. Republic Day, meant to honor the 2008 abolition of the monarchy, was overshadowed by an unexpectedly large crowd calling for its reinstatement. For many royalists, it was a symbolic reclaiming of the public space and political discourse from what they see as a corrupt and ineffective political elite.
Nepal’s monarchy was officially abolished in May 2008, two years after mass protests forced King Gyanendra to relinquish his direct rule and hand power to an interim government. A newly elected constituent assembly then declared Nepal a republic and drafted a secular constitution, signaling a dramatic break from the country’s deeply rooted monarchical and Hindu past.
Gyanendra, Nepal’s last monarch, accepted the decision and retired from public life, moving out of the Royal Palace to live as a private citizen. While he has largely remained silent in the years since, his quiet presence has continued to loom over national politics. For his supporters, he embodies a time of order and national unity — even if marred by authoritarian overreach during his brief absolute rule in 2005–2006.
In recent months, however, calls for his return have grown louder. Discontent has mounted over political instability, economic stagnation, and corruption scandals involving Nepal’s major parties. The inability of successive governments to deliver basic services, manage inflation, or respond effectively to crises — including the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing inflation — has fueled a broader loss of faith in the political system.
Many Nepalis now see the republic as an experiment that has failed to bring stability or development. The royalist narrative presents the monarchy not only as a cultural anchor but also as a potential solution to political dysfunction.
The latest protest was not without precedent. On March 28, royalist demonstrations turned violent when protesters clashed with police and torched buildings. Two people, including a TV cameraman, were killed, and dozens were injured as security forces fired bullets and tear gas to disperse the crowd. Several protesters arrested during that rally remain in custody, adding to the movement’s grievances.
Organizers say Thursday’s event marks the beginning of a sustained campaign. “We will be in the streets again and again,” Giri said. “This is only the beginning.”
What sets this movement apart from previous monarchist efforts is its growing mainstream appeal. Unlike the earlier, more fragmented royalist activism, today’s rallies are drawing participation from a broader demographic — including youth, conservative religious groups, and rural populations that feel increasingly alienated from Kathmandu’s political class.
At the heart of the protest lies a religious dimension as well. Many demonstrators carried portraits of Hindu deities and argued that the secular constitution has eroded Nepal’s identity as the world’s only Hindu kingdom. “The removal of Hinduism as the state religion was a mistake,” said Rekha Sharma, a 28-year-old protester from the southern plains. “Our culture is under threat, and only the king can protect it.”
Still, analysts caution that the return of the monarchy is unlikely in the short term. Nepal’s constitution would require significant amendment, and none of the mainstream parties currently support such a move. Gyanendra himself has not made any public appeal or effort to reclaim power. His silence, while strategic, makes it difficult to gauge whether he would accept a return to the throne if offered.
Yet the growing royalist movement poses a dilemma for Nepal’s political leaders. Dismissing it outright could further alienate disaffected populations. Engaging with it, however, risks legitimizing a return to a system widely rejected in 2008.
Political analyst Deepak Thapa sees the protest as a wake-up call. “This is less about restoring a king and more about expressing anger at how democracy has been managed,” he said. “People want dignity, services, and hope — and they’re not getting that from the current system.”
Indeed, the protests in Kathmandu may not immediately alter the nation’s political structure, but they signal a deep undercurrent of dissatisfaction that cannot be ignored. As Nepal grapples with an increasingly volatile political landscape, the specter of monarchy — once relegated to history — is now back at the forefront of national debate.
Nepal Protesters Demand Nepal Protesters Demand
You must Register or Login to post a comment.