Nepal is witnessing a growing movement advocating for the reinstatement of the monarchy and the official recognition of Hinduism as the state religion. Thousands of citizens gathered in Kathmandu, voicing their demand for the return of the deposed King Gyanendra Shah and the restoration of Nepal as a Hindu Rashtra.
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Public Demonstrations in Favor of Monarchy
On Sunday, Kathmandu saw a massive turnout of people rallying for the return of monarchy and the reinstatement of Nepal as a Hindu nation. Demonstrators chanted slogans calling for the end of the secular state and a revival of the royal institution. Many supporters believe Nepal’s identity is closely tied to its historical monarchy and Hindu heritage, which were abolished in favor of a secular democracy.
After concluding his visit to western Nepal, King Gyanendra arrived at Tribhuvan International Airport, where he was met with a large crowd of enthusiastic supporters. The demonstrators demanded that Gyanendra be allowed to return to the royal palace and called for the official reinstatement of Nepal as a Hindu Rashtra. In a show of support, a massive bike rally paraded through the city streets, amplifying their demand for the monarchy’s restoration.
Rising Voices Against Secularism in Nepal
The movement is gaining momentum, with political and social organizations backing the call for change. The Rashtriya Prajatantra Party (RPP), a pro-monarchy and Hindutva-supporting political party, claims that over a million people participated in the demonstrations. However, Nepal’s police, under Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s administration, estimated the number of participants to be approximately 10,000.
Nepal was a monarchy for over two centuries before transitioning into a secular democratic republic. The nation’s last king, Gyanendra Shah, was dethroned in 2006 following a political uprising. Subsequently, in May 2008, Nepal’s 240-year-old monarchy was officially abolished through a constitutional amendment, establishing a federal democratic system. 2015, a new constitution was enacted, formally declaring Nepal a secular state.
Gyanendra Shah: Life After Monarchy
Following his removal from power, Gyanendra Shah has lived as an ordinary citizen in Nepal without any political or administrative authority. He no longer receives state privileges, nor is he permitted to reside in the royal palace. Despite this, his influence remains significant among monarchist supporters who see him as a symbol of Nepal’s traditional values and identity.
Historically, Nepal was recognized as a Hindu kingdom, with the monarchy playing a central role in governance and cultural identity. The Shah dynasty, which began in 1768 under Prithvi Narayan Shah, ruled Nepal for centuries. King Birendra, Gyanendra’s brother, was the ninth generation of the dynasty. However, the monarchy faced turmoil in 2001 when Crown Prince Dipendra allegedly assassinated his family before succumbing to his injuries. Gyanendra ascended the throne after the tragic incident but faced mounting opposition due to his decision to dissolve the democratic government in 2005, citing political instability and the Maoist insurgency.
The Future of Nepal’s Political Landscape
The recent demonstrations indicate that a significant portion of Nepal’s population still favors the monarchy and Hindu statehood. However, whether these demands will lead to political changes remains uncertain. The ruling government has not shown any intent to reverse Nepal’s secular status, and the political climate remains complex, with multiple factions holding divergent views.
The resurgence of monarchist sentiments suggests that the debate over Nepal’s identity is far from over. With growing dissatisfaction among certain sections of society, the push for reinstating the monarchy and Hindu Rashtra could continue to shape the country’s political discourse in the coming years.
