Gyanendra’s Return on March 9, 2025, thousands of pro-monarchists gathered at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu to welcome Nepal’s former King Gyanendra Shah. After a long tour of western Nepal, Gyanendra returned to the capital city, drawing massive crowds of enthusiastic supporters who are advocating for the return of the monarchy and the reinstatement of Hinduism as the country’s state religion.
Approximately 10,000 supporters waved flags and chanted slogans in favor of the monarchy’s restoration, blocking access to the airport’s main terminal. Despite the large turnout, the event remained peaceful due to the heavy presence of security forces. The return of the former king has reignited the debate over Nepal’s political future and the role of monarchy in the country.
Rising Dissatisfaction with Nepal’s Republic
The rally in Kathmandu reflects a growing sentiment of dissatisfaction with Nepal’s current political system. Since the abolition of the monarchy in 2008, Nepal has faced significant political instability. Frequent changes in leadership, economic struggles, and ongoing allegations of corruption have fueled frustrations among the populace. For many, the monarchy represents a more stable and trustworthy form of governance in comparison to the ever-changing landscape of the republic.
Supporters of Gyanendra Shah believe that reinstating the monarchy could provide the political stability that has been lacking in Nepal since becoming a republic. A report from CNN highlighted the growing disillusionment with Nepal’s current political leadership, with many calling for the return of a king to provide a sense of unity and order. This sentiment is especially strong among those who view the monarchy as a protector of Hindu values, a key aspect of Nepal’s identity before it transitioned to a secular state.
Gyanendra’s Popularity Remains Strong
While Gyanendra Shah has remained relatively quiet on the issue of reinstating the monarchy, his continued popularity among a significant portion of the population is undeniable. During his tour of western Nepal, Gyanendra drew large crowds at each stop, with supporters holding rallies and events in his honor. Although he has not openly advocated for his reinstatement, the massive turnout at these events suggests that the idea of restoring the monarchy is not a distant memory for many Nepalis.
Nepal’s monarchy was abolished in 2008 following a decade-long civil war, which culminated in the establishment of a republic. Despite this, many monarchists argue that the republic has failed to deliver on its promises of prosperity, peace, and stability. The frequent changes in government, widespread corruption, and political deadlock have left many Nepalis questioning whether the republic is truly in the country’s best interest. In contrast, Gyanendra’s supporters view the monarchy as a stabilizing force capable of steering Nepal in the right direction.
A Peaceful Protest, But What’s Next?
Despite the passionate crowd of pro-monarchists gathered at Tribhuvan International Airport, the event was largely peaceful, thanks in part to the heavy security measures in place. The police presence ensured that the rally did not spiral into chaos, and no major incidents were reported. However, the peaceful nature of the rally does not diminish the significance of the pro-monarchist movement. A detailed report on The Kathmandu Post revealed that these rallies are just one part of a larger push for the monarchy’s restoration, which has been steadily gaining momentum in recent years.
The peaceful nature of the event also highlights the restraint exhibited by both the pro-monarchists and the authorities. Nevertheless, the growing movement in support of King Gyanendra poses a significant challenge for Nepal’s political establishment. As dissatisfaction with the republic continues to rise, the government must find ways to address the concerns of monarchists while maintaining the values of the current political system.
It remains to be seen whether these rallies will translate into any concrete political action or changes in Nepal’s governance structure. What is clear, however, is that the pro-monarchy movement is far from over, and it is a force that cannot be ignored. Read more on the latest developments.
Conclusion
The return of Nepal’s former King Gyanendra Shah to Kathmandu has reignited discussions about the country’s political future. With thousands of supporters calling for the reinstatement of the monarchy and Hinduism as the state religion, the rally at Tribhuvan International Airport marks a significant moment in the ongoing debate between monarchy and republic in Nepal. As the country continues to grapple with political instability, economic challenges, and corruption, the question of whether the monarchy can provide a solution remains a hotly contested issue.
Gyanendra’s popularity among pro-monarchists suggests that the monarchy still holds a place in the hearts of many Nepalis. As this movement grows, it will be crucial for Nepal’s political leaders to find a way to address the concerns of monarchists while upholding the principles of the republic.
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