• Source:JND

As Nepal prepares for general elections on March 5, 2026, the demand for the restoration of the Hindu monarchy has intensified. This sentiment was on full display this Friday at Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport, where hundreds of supporters gathered to greet former King Gyanendra Shah. The crowd chanted slogans such as "We want the King back to save our nation," signaling a rise in monarchist fervor amid ongoing political instability and economic distress.

Pro-Monarchy Demonstrations At Kathmandu Airport

The gathering at the airport served as a significant symbol of public dissatisfaction with Nepal’s current political and economic climate. Supporters, including activists from the pro-monarchy Rastriya Prajatantra Party led by senior leader Kamal Thapa, along with groups led by Navraj Subedi and medical professional Durga Prasai, had been assembling since Friday morning. During a press briefing in Kathmandu on Thursday, Prasai explicitly stated the movement's goal: to restore the monarchy before the upcoming March elections.

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Historical Context: The End Of The Monarchy

Nepal’s 240-year-old monarchy concluded in 2008. The transition began in 2005-2006 when widespread street protests against the direct rule of King Gyanendra forced him to relinquish power. By 2008, Nepal officially transitioned into a Federal Democratic Republic and subsequently adopted a new constitution. While several elections have been held under this republican framework, recurring economic downturns and political unrest have led some to believe the current system has failed to provide the expected stability and prosperity.

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Significance Of 2026 General Elections

According to The Sunday Guardian, the debate over the monarchy comes at a critical juncture as Nepal moves toward early general elections on March 5, 2026. Officials have described the upcoming vote as a necessary step to resolve the country's prevailing political uncertainty. In light of this, Prime Minister Sushila Karki, while visiting the Taplejung district, urged citizens to participate actively in the electoral process and emphasised the importance of maintaining peace during the polls.

'Come Back King, Save The Nation'

Returning from a three-month stay in eastern Nepal, Gyanendra Shah was greeted by supporters waving national flags and offering bouquets. Protesters chanted "King, come and save the country," expressing their lack of faith in current political leaders. Sanatan Prasad Regmi, a supporter of the former monarch, remarked that a king could serve as a guardian for all Nepalese people, a role he claimed corrupt politicians have failed to fulfill.


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