Yogi Adityanath, the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, is once again at the center of a political controversy—this time in Nepal. His image has become a focal point in a heated debate surrounding a rally organized in Kathmandu on March 10, 2025, which called for the restoration of the Nepalese monarchy. The rally was held to welcome former King Gyanendra Shah and to galvanize support for reinstating the monarchy, abolished in 2008. However, it was Yogi Adityanath’s posters at this rally that have sparked controversy and drawn him into Nepal’s internal political discourse.
The Rally and Yogi Adityanath’s Controversial Posters
The rally in Kathmandu was a significant moment for pro-monarchist supporters who have grown increasingly vocal about restoring Nepal’s monarchy. Dissatisfaction with the current government, led by Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli, and ongoing allegations of corruption have fueled this movement. The pro-monarchy factions are advocating for a return to Nepal’s previous status as a Hindu nation, with King Gyanendra at its helm. What complicated this event further was the presence of Yogi Adityanath’s posters displayed at various points during the rally.
Adityanath, who has long voiced his support for Nepal’s monarchy, is known for his connection to the Goraksh Peeth, a powerful religious institution with historical ties to Nepal’s royal family. His appearance at the rally, albeit only in poster form, raised eyebrows and sparked heated debates across Nepal’s political landscape.
Related article: The historical connection between Goraksh Peeth and Nepal’s monarchy
Allegations of Foreign Interference
The posters have raised serious concerns among the supporters of Prime Minister Oli’s government, who view them as a form of Indian interference in Nepal’s domestic affairs. Many see Adityanath’s involvement, even if indirect, as undermining the legitimacy of Gyanendra’s supporters. Critics have pointed out that displaying the image of a prominent Indian political figure at such a rally sends a clear message of external influence, further complicating Nepal’s already sensitive political dynamics.
On the other side, pro-monarchist factions have pushed back against these accusations. They argue that the presence of Yogi Adityanath’s posters was a calculated move by Oli’s government to discredit their cause. These groups believe that the posters were deliberately planted to generate controversy and shift focus away from the rally’s core message—restoring Nepal’s monarchy.
The Historical Ties Between Adityanath and Nepal’s Royal Family
Yogi Adityanath’s connection to Nepal’s monarchy runs deeper than just the rally. As the head of the Goraksh Peeth in Uttar Pradesh, a religious institution that has historically shared close ties with Nepal’s royal family, Adityanath is no stranger to the Nepalese monarchy. This relationship goes back centuries, with the Goraksh Peeth and the Shah dynasty maintaining mutual respect and cooperation over the years. It is this long-standing relationship that has led many to believe that Adityanath’s posters were more than just symbolic—they represent an endorsement of Nepal’s monarchy by one of India’s most powerful religious and political figures.
Related article: The long-standing ties between Goraksh Peeth and Nepal’s royal family
Political Ramifications in Nepal
The controversy surrounding Yogi Adityanath’s posters has ignited widespread debate in Nepal. Some view his presence as an unwanted intrusion by India into Nepal’s sovereign affairs, while others see it as a legitimate display of support for a cause that resonates with a segment of Nepalese society. The Nepalese government, led by Prime Minister Oli, has remained cautious in its response, aware that the situation could escalate into a larger political issue if not handled carefully.
For Gyanendra’s supporters, however, Yogi Adityanath’s image has given their movement new momentum. The rally, already a critical moment for pro-monarchist factions, has now garnered even more attention due to the controversy, potentially bolstering their cause.
Related article: Nepal’s monarchy supporters gaining momentum amidst political controversies
Conclusion
The controversy surrounding Yogi Adityanath’s posters at the Kathmandu rally underscores the complex interplay of historical, political, and religious forces at work in Nepal. His presence—whether viewed as a symbol of Indian interference or as a nod to Nepal’s royal past—has reignited the debate over the future of Nepal’s monarchy. As the political landscape in Nepal continues to evolve, it remains to be seen what lasting impact this controversy will have on both the monarchy movement and Nepal-India relations.
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