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Nepal Protest Updates: Former Nepal king Gyanendra Shah has been at the centre of a growing political stir in the Himalayan country Nepal. Pro-government leaders alleged the former kind of instigating the ongoing pro-monarchy agitation against the republic (Democratic) system in Nepal. It is allegedly said his statement ahead of his return to Kathmandu fueled the protests against the government, demanding the return of the royal government and making Nepal a Hindu nation again. The agitation witnessed a sudden swell after Nepal's former king returned to Kathmandu on March 9 from Pokhara. According to the 2022 census, Nepal has a population of 30.55 million, with 81.19 per cent as Hindu, which is the reason people are demanding to resumption of the Hindu nation tag to the country. However, it is unlikely that the political class will be ready to accept pre-2008 status as there had been a long history of an armed strugle against monarchy in the country to achieve democracy.

What was Shah's statement that allegedly fuelled outrage?

According to the media reports, the former king expressed concerns about Nepal's state, saying it's worsened due to politics focused on self-interest, greed for power, and wealth sharing, sparking heated debates, with pro-monarchy supporters welcoming his words and pro-republican groups criticizing them.

In his message, he asserted the importance of preserving Nepal's cultural and historical heritage, subtly critiquing the current republican system. He also stressed the need for national unity, resonating with many Nepalis concerned about the nation's divisions.

Former King Gyanendra Shah also expressed concerns about the country's state, saying it's worsened due to politics focused on self-interest, greed for power, and wealth sharing. His statements have sparked heated debates, with pro-monarchy supporters welcoming his words and pro-republican groups criticizing them.

Who all are supporting the pro-monarchy movement?

The RPP, RPP Nepal, Nation, Nationality, Religion, Culture and Citizen Protection Mahabhiyaan, National Power Nepal, Royal Youth Power Nepal, Shiv Sena Nepal, ATF, RTF, Bir Gorkhali Abhiyan, and other royal and Hindu groups welcomed the Shah's statement.

Action against former Nepal king

Shah was fined by Kathmandu's civic body following the damage caused to public property and environment during the pro-monarchy protests in parts of the Nepalese capital. As the protest was organised on the call of Gyanendra Shah, Kathmandu Metropolitan City's (KMC) Mayor Balendra Shah sent a letter to his residence at Nirmala Niwas at Maharjgunj on the outskirt of Kathmandu asking him to pay Nepali Rupees 7,93,000 as compensation against the damage.

Government's action against pro-monarchists

Meanwhile, a Nepal court on Sunday granted police permission to detain 42 pro-monarchists, including Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) leaders Rabindra Mishra and Dhawal Shamsher Rana, for five days for further investigation following Friday's violent protest in Kathmandu.

Controversial past of former king Shah

Nepal abolished its centuries-old constitutional monarchy in 2006 after King Gyanendra seized power and imposed an emergency, placing all political leaders under house arrest. The movement, referred to as "People's Movement II," resulted in bloodshed, with dozens killed in a crackdown on protestors by the government.

After weeks of violent protests and increasing international pressure, Gyanendra ceded and reinstated the dissolved parliament, marking the dawn of a new democracy, referred to as Lokantantra (People's Rule).

Formed in the 1990s after the lifting of a ban on political parties by the then-monarchical system, the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) has consistently supported the monarchy. It has participated in periodic elections and presented its demands.

Shah's role in royal family massacre suspected

Shah is often criticised by his opponents for his alleged role in the massacre of Gyanendra's elder brother King Virendra Shah's family. The brutal killings which shocked the world happened on June 1, 2001. King Virendra's elder son Prince Dipendra carried out the massacre since King Gyanendra had been under the scanner. King Birendra and several other members of the Nepali royal family, including his wife Queen Aishwarya, were killed in a shooting at the Narayanhiti Palace by Crown Prince Dipendra. Later, Prince Dipendra killed himself three days after the crime.

Shah is still the owner of immense wealth. According to media reports, he owned property worth 100 million dollars in 2008 and he is believed to have inherited a large fortune and continues to hold significant investments in various businesses, making him widely believed to be worth hundreds of millions of dollars.

In 2008, following the overthrow of the monarchy, the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) secured eight seats in the Constituent Assembly out of the 575 seats in the parliament. In the 2013 election, it won 13 seats, but in the 2017 election, it fell to just one seat. However, it bounced back in the 2022 election, securing 14 seats.

(With agencies inputs)

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