Monarchy’s Echo in an extraordinary turn of events, Nepal’s former monarch, King Gyanendra, was greeted by an enormous crowd of enthusiastic supporters upon his return to Kathmandu on March 9, 2025. This significant event underscores the resurgence of pro-monarchy sentiments in the country as approximately 10,000 people gathered at Tribhuvan International Airport to welcome the exiled king back to the capital.
Chants and slogans reverberated through the airport, with supporters calling for the reinstatement of the monarchy and the re-establishment of Hinduism as the nation’s official religion. The overwhelming presence of these pro-monarchists led to disruptions in airport operations, forcing passengers to navigate through the massive throngs of people, symbolizing a growing call for change in the country’s political landscape. Read more on CNN.
The Rise of Pro-Monarchist Movements in Nepal
King’s Return to Kathmandu followed a two-month tour of western Nepal, where he attended various rallies and events organized by his supporters, including the Rastriya Prajatantra Party. These rallies were often filled with calls for the monarchy’s return, reflecting a strong dissatisfaction with Nepal’s current political system. Many monarchists believe that reinstating the monarchy could bring much-needed stability to a country that has been grappling with political instability and corruption ever since the monarchy was abolished in 2008.
While King Gyanendra did not openly make any inflammatory remarks during his tour, he has hinted at his willingness to positively contribute to Nepal’s future. His silence on controversial matters, however, has done little to quell the growing support for his return. The sentiment shared by many of his supporters is that the republic established after the monarchy’s abolition has failed to meet their expectations. The pro-monarchy rallies held during Gyanendra’s tour highlighted a resurgence of support for the monarchy as an institution, with many believing that the restoration of a king would help solve Nepal’s socio-political challenges.
Political Instability and Corruption Fuel Monarchist Sentiments
One of the key drivers behind the growing demand for the monarchy’s reinstatement is the perception that Nepal’s political leadership has been unable to address ongoing issues such as corruption and political instability. Since the abolition of the monarchy in 2008, the country has undergone multiple changes in government, with no single party being able to secure long-lasting stability.
This instability has fueled the belief that the King’s Return could restore order and provide a much-needed sense of unity in the country. Monarchists argue that the republic has failed to deliver on its promises, citing various instances of mismanagement and widespread corruption. In contrast, they view the monarchy as a stable institution that could guide Nepal toward a better future.
In addition to political dissatisfaction, religious sentiments have played a significant role in the pro-monarchy movement. Hinduism, once the state religion under the monarchy, was removed from its official status following the establishment of the republic. Pro-monarchists are advocating for the reinstatement of Hinduism as Nepal’s state religion, believing that the country’s cultural identity is deeply intertwined with the monarchy.
A Peaceful Return Amid Heavy Security
Despite the large turnout, King’s Return to Kathmandu was peaceful, with no major incidents reported. The presence of heavy police security ensured that the event remained under control, despite the overwhelming number of supporters. Authorities had prepared for the possibility of disruptions, and the airport had to adapt its operations to accommodate the huge crowd, a clear sign of the strong emotions tied to the former king’s return.
The peaceful nature of the rally is indicative of the restraint exercised by both the pro-monarchists and law enforcement. However, it remains to be seen how this rising movement will affect Nepal’s political future, as mainstream parties continue to struggle with addressing the growing calls for monarchical restoration. Explore the latest updates on this.
Conclusion
The overwhelming support shown for King Gyanendra’s return to Kathmandu reflects a rising wave of pro-monarchist sentiment in Nepal. Dissatisfaction with the current political leadership, concerns over corruption, and a desire for the return of Hinduism as the state religion have all contributed to this movement. As Nepal continues to grapple with political instability, the question of whether the monarchy could offer a more stable alternative remains a topic of intense debate.
While Gyanendra himself has remained relatively quiet on the matter, his growing number of supporters makes it clear that the monarchy is far from being a relic of the past. The peaceful rally that greeted him in Kathmandu is a testament to the enduring influence of the monarchy in the hearts of many Nepalis.
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