Nepal is witnessing a surge in public demonstrations calling for the restoration of monarchy as dissatisfaction with the current political system grows. Thousands of people have taken to the streets in various cities, demanding the return of the Hindu monarchy, which was abolished in 2008.
The protests, led by pro-monarchist groups and backed by sections of the public, have gained momentum over the past few weeks. Demonstrators, waving Nepal’s national flag and portraits of former King Gyanendra Shah, chanted slogans in favor of “Rajtantra” (monarchical rule) and criticized the existing federal democratic system for failing to address corruption, economic downturns, and governance inefficiencies.
Resurgence of Monarchist Sentiment
Nepal became a federal democratic republic in 2008 following a decade-long Maoist insurgency and the abolition of the 240-year-old Shah dynasty. However, over the years, growing frustration with political instability, economic struggles, and perceived mismanagement has led many to reconsider the monarchy as an alternative.
Monarchist leader Durga Prasai, who has been actively organizing rallies across Nepal, stated, “The people of Nepal are tired of political corruption and instability. The country needs a strong leadership, and the return of the monarchy can ensure unity, stability, and prosperity.”
Social media has also played a key role in mobilizing support for the movement, with hashtags like #RestoreMonarchyNepal trending online. Several youth groups have joined the campaign, arguing that the monarchy provided a sense of national identity and stability, which they believe is missing under the current system.
Government Response and Political Reactions
The ruling coalition government, led by Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal (Prachanda), has downplayed the protests, calling them an attempt to disrupt the democratic order. Government spokespersons have reiterated that Nepal’s republican system is irreversible and that any move toward restoring the monarchy is unconstitutional.
However, opposition parties, including the CPN-UML, have expressed concerns over the growing public discontent. Some leaders have urged the government to take the demands seriously and engage in dialogue rather than dismissing the movement outright.
What Lies Ahead?
While the protests reflect a growing sentiment among a section of the population, political analysts believe that restoring the monarchy would require major constitutional amendments, which seem unlikely under the current political structure. However, the increasing frequency of pro-monarchy demonstrations suggests that the debate over Nepal’s governance system is far from over.
For now, Nepal stands at a crossroads, with its people divided between democratic aspirations and a longing for the past. Whether these protests will lead to a major political shift remains to be seen.
