King On March 9, 2025, an estimated 10,000 supporters gathered at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, Nepal, to welcome former King Gyanendra Shah. The massive rally marked a significant show of pro-monarchy sentiment, as demonstrators called for the restoration of the monarchy, which was abolished in 2008. Protesters chanted slogans like “Vacate the royal palace for the king” and advocated for Hinduism to once again become Nepal’s state religion. Despite the heavy police presence, the event remained peaceful, though it caused significant disruption at the airport as supporters blocked access to the terminal.
The Rise of Pro-Monarchy Sentiment
The rally was part of a larger trend of growing support for the monarchy, which has been gaining momentum since former King Gyanendra delivered a Democracy Day statement in February 2025. This statement reignited discussions about Nepal’s political future and raised questions about the effectiveness of the republic, which has seen political instability since its establishment.
Since the monarchy’s abolition, Nepal has experienced frequent changes in leadership, with 13 different governments coming into power over the past 17 years. Frustration with political instability, economic challenges, and widespread corruption has caused many Nepalis to reconsider the monarchy as a potential solution to the country’s problems. Some former republic supporters have even shifted their stance, blaming the current political leaders for failing to address these challenges.
According to a report from Times of India, the dissatisfaction with the current republican system has led many to view the monarchy as a symbol of stability and cultural identity. The restoration of the monarchy has become a popular topic of discussion, particularly among conservative and religious groups who believe that reinstating Hinduism as the state religion would help restore Nepal’s traditional values.
The Role of Former King Gyanendra
While former King Gyanendra has not publicly responded to calls for his reinstatement, his recent return to Kathmandu has stirred up discussions about his potential role in Nepal’s political future. Gyanendra ruled Nepal from 2001 until 2008, when the monarchy was formally abolished following a decade-long civil war. His return to the spotlight has raised hopes among his supporters, though there are significant political and constitutional barriers to his restoration as king.
A report from Al Jazeera noted that mainstream political parties remain opposed to the idea of reinstating the monarchy. Critics argue that Gyanendra’s authoritarian rule from 2005 to 2006, when he seized executive power during a period of political unrest, played a key role in the monarchy’s downfall. They believe that the current pro-monarchy movement is more a reaction to dissatisfaction with governance than a serious political shift toward restoring the monarchy.
Challenges Facing the Monarchy Restoration Movement
Despite the growing support for the monarchy, political analysts are skeptical about the likelihood of Gyanendra’s return to power. Nepal’s current political framework does not provide a clear path for reinstating the monarchy, and constitutional amendments would be required to make such a shift possible. Furthermore, many political leaders view the monarchy as a relic of the past and argue that restoring it would only further divide the country.
A CNN report emphasized the challenges facing the monarchy restoration movement, highlighting the opposition from Nepal’s political establishment. Analysts argue that while pro-monarchy rallies like the one in Kathmandu demonstrate the public’s frustration with the current system, the movement lacks the political backing necessary to make substantial changes.
The Future of Nepal’s Political Landscape
As pro-monarchy rallies continue to grow, Nepal faces an uncertain political future. The country is deeply divided over whether a return to monarchical rule could provide the stability that many citizens desire. While supporters of the monarchy believe that reinstating King Gyanendra would help restore national unity and cultural values, critics argue that Nepal’s challenges can only be addressed through continued democratic reforms.
The monarchy’s restoration remains unlikely without significant constitutional changes, but the growing dissatisfaction with the republic suggests that Nepal’s political landscape may continue to shift in the coming years. As the country grapples with its future, the debate over whether to restore the monarchy is far from over.
For more in-depth coverage of Nepal’s current political situation, visit The Informed Gazette’s report on Nepal’s political uncertainty.
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