KATHMANDU, Nepal — In a remarkable display of support, thousands gathered in Nepal’s capital, Kathmandu, on Sunday to welcome the nation’s former king, Gyanendra Shah, upon his return from a visit to western Nepal. Callers for a return to the monarchy and the reinstatement of Hinduism as the state religion created an intense atmosphere at Tribhuvan International Airport.
An estimated 10,000 fervent supporters swarmed the airport’s main entrance. With chants echoing the desire for a return to a monarchy, they shouted, “Vacate the royal palace for the king. Come back king, save the country. Long live our beloved king. We want monarchy!” This demonstration forced passengers to walk to and from the airport as the massive crowd blocked vehicle access.
The protest saw the presence of hundreds of riot police who effectively prevented any entry into the airport terminals, maintaining a peaceful atmosphere with no incidents of violence reported. This mobilization highlights a persistent dissatisfaction with Nepal’s current democratic structure.
Nepal’s shift to a republic in 2008, two years following massive protests that ended Gyanendra’s authoritarian rule, has left many yearning for the stability they associate with the previous regime. Dissatisfaction with the current political landscape, marked by constant turmoil—13 different governments have been formed since the monarchy’s abolition—fueled the gathering. Critics blame this system for economic instability and rampant corruption.
Supporters at the rally expressed a desire for a radical shift in governance. “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,” shared Thir Bahadur Bhandari, a 72-year-old attendee.
Kulraj Shrestha, a carpenter now 50, represents a shift in thought among some Nepalis. Once part of the protests against monarchy in 2006, Shrestha now believes the current political climate has failed to serve the country. “The worst thing that is happening to the country is massive corruption and all politicians in power are not doing anything for the country,” he said. “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.”
Despite these calls for monarchy restoration, prospects of Gyanendra returning to power seem slim at the moment. Though he has refrained from making public statements regarding the growing support, his historical context remains significant. Gyanendra ascended to the throne in 2002 following the tragic massacre of his brother and family. Initially, he held constitutional powers, but in 2005 he rejected these confines, assuming absolute control, dismissing parliament, imprisoning political figures, and employing the military for governance.
