In Kathmandu, thousands gathered on Sunday to support Nepal’s ex-king, Gyanendra Shah, calling for the return of the monarchy and reinstating Hinduism as the state religion. Estimates suggest around 10,000 of his supporters congregated at the entrance to Tribhuvan International Airport as he returned from a trip to western Nepal. The demonstrators blocked the main gateway, chanting slogans such as “Vacate the royal palace for the king,” and forced passengers to navigate their way on foot.
Despite the disruption, the protest remained peaceful as hundreds of riot police barred entry to the airport. The unrest reflects mounting dissatisfaction with the republic, which has struggled with political instability and economic difficulties since the monarchy’s dissolution in 2008. Following widespread protests in 2006, Gyanendra relinquished authoritarian control, and by 2008, the monarchy was officially abolished as he left the Royal Palace to adopt life as a civilian.
Many in Nepal are now voicing frustration, attributing ongoing challenges in governance to the republic’s shortcomings and the prevalence of corruption that has marred the political landscape. Since the monarchy’s end, the country has seen a succession of 13 different governments. Rally participants expressed the need for political changes to safeguard the nation’s future. “We are here to give the king our full support and to rally behind him all the way to reinstating him in the royal throne,” stated a 72-year-old supporter, Thir Bahadur Bhandari.
Some, like 50-year-old carpenter Kulraj Shrestha, who had initially protested against the king in 2006, have changed their stance. Disillusioned by the current state of affairs, Shrestha now advocates for the monarchy, citing rampant corruption and ineffective political leadership as key issues. “I was in the protests that took away monarchy hoping it would help the country, but I was mistaken and the nation has further plunged, so I have changed my mind,” he remarked.
King Gyanendra, however, has remained silent on these calls for his return. Despite the increasing support, his prospects of reascending to the throne presently appear limited. Gyanendra ascended to the throne in 2002 following the tragic massacre of his brother and family in the palace. Initially serving as a constitutional monarch, his reign took an authoritarian turn in 2005 when he assumed absolute power, dispelling government and parliament, cracking down on journalists, and imposing a state of emergency.
