Thousands in Nepal Want Monarchy Back

Many people in Nepal's capital, Kathmandu, gathered recently. They want the country to have a king again and welcomed the former king, Gyanendra Shah. Some people are not happy with the current government.
By Newsroom | Politics, Nepal |

A significant number of people gathered in Nepal's capital, Kathmandu, to welcome former King Gyanendra Shah and express a desire for the monarchy's reinstatement. These demonstrations highlight a segment of the population dissatisfied with the current political landscape and seeking an alternative system of governance. The rallies, marked by public displays of support for the former monarch, bring the ongoing debate between republicanism and monarchy back into national focus.

Background of Monarchy and Republic in Nepal

Nepal transitioned from a monarchy to a republic in 2008 after a period of public unrest and street protests. The 239-year-old monarchy was officially abolished, ushering in a new era of governance. Since then, Nepal has experienced frequent changes in government, with 13 different administrations noted since the monarchy's end. This political instability has been cited by some as a reason for public frustration.

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Pro-Monarchy Demonstrations and Public Sentiment

Recent gatherings in Kathmandu saw thousands of individuals assembling to greet Gyanendra Shah upon his return from a trip.

  • Supporters lined the route from the airport, holding national flags and portraits of the former king.

  • Chants of "Bring Back The King" and "We want monarchy" were prominent among the crowds.

  • Some factions are advocating for the restoration of a constitutional monarchy, viewing the former king as a figure capable of unifying the nation beyond party politics.

  • The rallies have sometimes been met with a strong police presence, including riot gear, though direct intervention has varied.

Calls for Religious and Political Change

Beyond the call for monarchy's return, some demonstrations have included demands to reinstate Hinduism as the state religion.

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  • The desire for change appears linked to a perceived deterioration in the country's situation since the abolition of the monarchy.

  • Supporters express hope that a return to monarchy could lead to a more stable political system.

Incidents of Violence and Arrests

While the recent rallies have largely been described as peaceful demonstrations, past pro-monarchy gatherings have resulted in conflict.

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  • In March 2025, a pro-monarchy demonstration turned violent, leading to clashes between protesters and security forces.

  • This incident resulted in the deaths of two people, including a television cameraman, and injuries to many others.

  • Arrests were made during that event, with some protesters reportedly still in custody.

Official Responses and Public Commentary

The former king, Gyanendra Shah, has not publicly commented on the renewed calls for monarchy restoration. However, he has previously expressed sorrow over violence that has occurred during pro-monarchy rallies. Authorities have managed these gatherings, sometimes by granting permission for separate rallies at different times and locations, as seen with pro-monarchy groups and republic supporters holding events concurrently.

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Expert Analysis

Political observers note that despite the visible public support, Gyanendra Shah faces significant challenges in regaining power in the immediate future. The political landscape in Nepal remains divided on the issue of monarchy versus republicanism. The persistent demonstrations, however, underscore an ongoing public discourse regarding the nation's governance structure and its effectiveness.

Conclusion

The recent rallies in Kathmandu signal a persistent undercurrent of support for Nepal's former monarchy, fueled by public dissatisfaction with the current republican system and its perceived instability. While thousands have vocally expressed their desire for change, the practical path toward reinstating the monarchy remains complex and contested. The situation continues to highlight the unresolved debates surrounding Nepal's political future, with calls for both monarchy and religious traditionalism resonating among a segment of the population. The events also bring attention to the legacy of past violence associated with such movements and the ongoing efforts by authorities to manage public assembly.

Sources

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why are people in Nepal asking for the monarchy to return?
Some people are unhappy with the current government and think a king would bring more stability. Nepal changed to a republic in 2008.
Q: Who is the former king?
The former king's name is Gyanendra Shah. He was the king before Nepal became a republic.
Q: Did anything bad happen at these rallies?
In the past, some rallies for the monarchy became violent. In one case, two people died and many were hurt.
Q: What does the former king think?
The former king has not said much about these new calls. He has said he is sad about past violence at rallies.