Nepal’s former King Gyanendra Shah was greeted with the chants of “come king, save the nation” by thousands of his supporters as he arrived in Kathmandu on Sunday, amid growing calls for the reinstatement of the monarchy and Nepal’s status as a Hindu state.
According to the news agency AFP, Shah’s supporters waved Nepal’s flag and chanted slogans like “Come king, save the nation!” as the 77-year-old former monarch stepped out of Tribhuvan International Airport following a tour of western Nepal.
The crowd, which included members of the pro-monarchist Rastriya Prajatantra Party, carried placards reading “We want our King back” and “Abolish federal republican system and reinstate the monarchy.”
AP reported that an estimated 10,000 supporters gathered outside the airport, blocking its main entrance. Passengers were forced to walk to and from the airport due to the heavy crowd. Riot police were deployed to prevent demonstrators from entering the premises, but no violence was reported.
Nepal abolished its 240-year-old monarchy in 2008 after a decade-long civil war that left over 16,000 dead. However, dissatisfaction with political instability, corruption and economic struggles has fuelled a resurgence of support for the former royal family.
“The country faces instability, prices are high, people are jobless, and there is a lack of education and healthcare facilities,” said Rajindra Kunwar, a teacher who joined the rally who was quoted by AFP. “The poor are dying of hunger. The law applies to the public, but not to politicians. That’s why we need the king back”, Kunwar added.
Nepal has had 13 different governments since 2008, with growing frustration over governance issues. Some protesters, including those who previously supported the abolition of the monarchy, have now changed their stance. “I was in the protests that took away monarchy, hoping it would help the country, but I was mistaken,” said Kulraj Shrestha, a carpenter. “The nation has further plunged, so I have changed my mind”, Shrestha added.
Gyanendra, who has generally remained silent on political matters, has made several public appearances recently. On the eve of Nepal’s Democracy Day last month, he issued a statement saying, “It is now time. If we wish to save our nation and maintain national unity, I call on all countrymen to support us for Nepal’s prosperity and progress.”
Despite the rising pro-monarchy sentiment, political analyst Lok Raj Baral told AFP that the monarchy’s return is unlikely, stating that it was “a source of instability.” He added, “For some disgruntled groups, it has become a retreat due to the incompetence of politicians.”
As per PTI, security was heightened in Kathmandu, with dozens of riot policemen deployed around Narayanhiti Palace Museum, the former royal residence. There were rumours that Gyanendra might attempt to enter the palace with his supporters but the former king proceeded to his private residence, Nirmal Niwas, without any incident.
The movement for the monarchy’s restoration has been gaining traction since February, when Gyanendra’s Democracy Day statement reignited debate on Nepal’s future political system.
Bollywood actress Manisha Koirala, who is the granddaughter of Nepal’s first elected Prime Minister BP Koirala, urged Nepalis on social media to gather at the airport to welcome the former monarch.