On March 9, 2025, former Nepalese King Gyanendra Shah arrived in Kathmandu, where he was met with a massive crowd of over 10,000 supporters. His return follows a tour of western Nepal, where pro-monarchy sentiments have been rising. The scene at Tribhuvan International Airport was one of fervent enthusiasm, with supporters waving Nepal’s traditional monarchy flags and chanting slogans demanding the restoration of the monarchy and Hinduism as the state religion.
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This show of support reflects growing public dissatisfaction with Nepal’s current political landscape. The country has seen 13 different governments since it became a republic in 2008, leading to widespread instability. Many Nepali citizens believe that the monarchy was more stable compared to the frequent changes in leadership under the current system.
Why Are People Calling for the Restoration of the Monarchy?
Nepal transitioned from a monarchy to a republic in 2008, following the People’s Movement of 2006, which led to King Gyanendra’s abdication. The monarchy was officially abolished in May 2008, and Nepal was declared a secular republic. However, in the past decade, political instability, corruption allegations, and economic struggles have led many Nepalese to reconsider whether abolishing the monarchy was the right decision.
Many believe that under the monarchy, Nepal had more stable governance, whereas in the past 17 years, the frequent changes in leadership have created uncertainty. The lack of economic growth and increasing dissatisfaction with corruption in political parties have also fueled pro-monarchy protests.
In addition, there is a strong demand to reinstate Hinduism as the state religion. Before becoming a secular republic, Nepal was the only Hindu kingdom in the world. Many conservative groups and religious leaders argue that the removal of Hinduism as the state religion has weakened Nepal’s identity.
Government Response
The Nepalese government has responded cautiously to these developments. Security was significantly increased around Tribhuvan International Airport during Gyanendra’s arrival, fearing possible unrest. Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal (Prachanda) has stated that Nepal’s republican system is permanent, and there is no possibility of the monarchy returning.
However, opposition parties and nationalist groups have taken a different stance. Some politicians believe that ignoring the growing support for monarchy could further alienate frustrated citizens. Social media campaigns supporting Gyanendra Shah have also gained traction, particularly among the youth who were either too young or not born when Nepal transitioned to a republic.
The government has urged the pro-monarchy demonstrators to remain peaceful, as tensions between republic supporters and royalists have been rising in recent months.
Gyanendra Shah’s Reaction
Despite the growing calls for the restoration of the monarchy, Gyanendra Shah has not made any public statements regarding the situation. Since stepping down in 2008, he has largely remained silent on political matters.
However, he has been seen participating in various religious and cultural events, which many believe is an indirect way of keeping his influence alive among pro-Hindu and nationalist groups. His recent visits to different parts of Nepal have been met with huge public support, signaling that the monarchy’s appeal remains strong among certain sections of the population.
What Next?
While the monarchy’s restoration remains unlikely in the near future, the growing frustration with Nepal’s political instability suggests that calls for its return will only intensify. If public dissatisfaction continues to rise, the Nepalese government may face increasing pressure to address governance failures and consider reforms.
Political experts suggest that:
The government needs to improve stability and reduce the frequent changes in leadership to regain public trust. If pro-monarchy protests continue, they could lead to political confrontations between republican and royalist factions. International response to these developments will be crucial, as Nepal maintains strong diplomatic ties with India, China, and Western nations.
For now, Gyanendra Shah’s return and the mass support for the monarchy signal a significant shift in Nepal’s political landscape. Whether this results in actual change remains to be seen.
By – Kartik
