Large crowds gathered in Kathmandu to welcome Nepal’s former king, Gyanendra Shah, calling for the return of the monarchy. This event took place as dissatisfaction with the current political situation in Nepal grows. An estimated 10,000 supporters greeted him at Tribhuvan International Airport after his visit to western Nepal.
As Gyanendra arrived, chants filled the air. Supporters shouted messages like “Come back king, save the country” and “Long live our beloved king.” The atmosphere was charged with hope for a change in leadership. However, this gathering created chaos at the airport, with passengers forced to walk due to hundreds of riot police blocking access to the area.
Gyanendra, who is now 77, became king in 2001 after a tragic event that claimed the lives of most of the royal family. He initially ruled as a constitutional monarch but took absolute power in 2005, citing a need to combat Maoist rebels. His reign was marked by heavy-handed tactics, including dissolving the government and declaring a state of emergency. This led to widespread protests, forcing him to relinquish power in 2006 and paving the way for a multi-party government.
In 2008, the monarchy was officially abolished, and Nepal became a secular republic. Since then, the country has seen 13 different governments, but many citizens feel frustrated with the political instability and corruption that have followed. Supporters of the former king argue that the current system has not delivered the stability and progress they hoped for.
Participants at the rally expressed a desire for a change in the political landscape. Some, like 72-year-old Thir Bahadur Bhandari, openly voiced their support for Gyanendra and the monarchy. Others, like carpenter Kulraj Shrestha, shared their regrets about previously supporting the abolition of the monarchy, citing ongoing corruption and ineffective leadership as reasons for their change of heart.
Despite the enthusiastic support from his followers, Gyanendra has not publicly responded to the calls for his return. Political analysts suggest that the monarchy is unlikely to be restored, as many view it as a source of instability in the past. However, the growing discontent among certain groups reflects a broader frustration with the current political situation in Nepal.