Nepal Doesn’t Need A King & Won’t Get One Anyway

On March 28, Kathmandu became the site of violent clashes between pro-monarchy supporters and the police, resulting in two fatalities, numerous injuries and significant damage to public property. The violence raised critical questions about whether Nepal could be heading towards a reinstatement of the monarchy.In recent years, a resurgence of support for the monarchy has been witnessed among certain factions of Nepalese society. While former king Gyanendra had made sporadic visits to Nepal in the past, these visits rarely sparked significant public attention. This year, however, a series of strong protests by pro-royalist forces have garnered widespread media coverage, with thousands taking to the streets demanding the reinstatement of the monarchy.Several factors contribute to this shift. Since Nepal abolished its monarchy in 2008, it has faced political instability, frequent govt changes, rampant corruption, and myriad governance challenges. The post-Covid period brought additional challenges, such as inflation, declining remittances and financial scandals, including the cooperative bank fraud that implicated political leaders across all parties. This climate of dissatisfaction has led many to believe that Nepal’s democratic system has failed.In parallel, a wave of nationalist sentiments has swept Nepal, similar to movements seen in other countries like ‘Make America Great Again’ or ‘India First’. Political parties in Nepal have strategically leveraged these nationalist sentiments to push their own agendas, particularly in relation to key issues like China’s Belt and Road Initiative, US’s MCC Compact, and the ongoing border disputes with India. Some argue that the abolition of the monarchy has weakened Nepal’s sovereignty, especially in its dealings with neighbours. They believe that the monarchy represented a symbol of unity and independence, and reinstating it could restore national pride.Another critical driver is the ‘Hindu factor’. As Hindu nationalism gains traction in India, particularly with the rising influence of BJP and Hindutva groups, there is a growing demand in Nepal to restore its status as a Hindu state. This sentiment has been fuelled by the belief that the monarchy, which historically represented Nepal’s Hindu identity, could play a key role in this restoration. Former king Gyanendra’s meetings with prominent BJP politicians, including Yogi Adityanath, and the display of the UP CM’s photo on placards during protests suggest that monarchy’s supporters are attempting to link the monarchy’s return with the revival of Nepal’s Hindu identity.However, despite renewed calls for a return to monarchy, there are significant obstacles. The most glaring issue is the legacy of the royal massacre of June 2001, in which king Birendra’s entire family was killed in the most secure part of the Royal Palace. This tragedy, which implicated crown prince Dipendra, effectively ended the monarchy’s legitimacy in the eyes of many Nepalese. The Maoist insurgency, which had been seeking a republican form of govt, gained significant momentum after this event.The monarchy’s subsequent actions further damaged its credibility. Gyanendra’s decision to dismiss the elected govt and assume absolute power in 2005 marked a significant turn towards authoritarianism. His crackdown on the press, suppression of democratic rights, and alliance with China during a period of strained relations with India tarnished his image both domestically and internationally. Furthermore, Gyanendra’s son Paras Shah became infamous for his involvement in a series of scandals, further eroding public trust in the royal family.Further, monarchy’s supporters are divided with conflicting goals: some advocate for the restoration of the king, while others seek to create a Hindu state using the monarchy as a symbol of ultra-nationalism. This lack of unity and clear direction weakens the movement and makes it difficult to mobilise widespread support.Plus, the pro-monarchy movement lacks international support. Nepal’s democratisation has been supported by key global players, including US, EU and India. New Delhi, in particular, has played a critical role in supporting Nepal’s political transitions. And it is unlikely to back the revival of the monarchy, given the strained relations between the royal family and India during the reigns of king Mahendra and king Gyanendra.China too is unlikely to lend support to the monarchy’s revival. As a result, the pro-monarchy movement lacks the diplomatic backing it would need to succeed on the international stage.Pro-monarchy forces have failed to present a compelling vision for the country’s future. The recent violent protests and the destruction of public property have only alienated ordinary Nepalese, many of whom are seeking stability and socio-economic transformation, not a return to the old monarchy. As American philosopher John Dewey once said, “The solution to the problems of democracy is more democracy.” This is the path that most Nepalese desire – a path that focuses on strengthening democratic institutions, addressing socio-economic challenges, and ensuring greater political stability. Not reverting to a system that has already proven to be ineffective.The writer is research director, Nepal Institute for International Cooperation and Engagement