~Riya K
A country that forgets its history is more likely to repeat it. Something similar is happening in Nepal. Citizens of the Himalayan nation are taking to the streets of the capital with a passionate call for the Renaissance of Monarchy. They want to bring back their King to the throne; they wish and demand nothing less than the abolishment of democracy and wish that the Royal Family of Nepal rule the country once again as they did in the past.
Why, one may ask?
There are two major reasons behind such anger from the people of Buddha: corruption and political instability. Monarchy was fully abolished in the year 2008 in the state of Nepal, and since then to date, Nepal has seen thirteen governments in the span of sixteen years. The country runs, moreover, on a coalition of leaders, which holds them back from making significant decisions to make the land of Sagarmatha great again.
Almost all the former and even the present Prime Ministers face some sort of scam allegation or corruption charges.
As per the report of the Indian Express, PM Oli, who is also a communist leader, is facing contempt of court for violating the Supreme Court’s order against converting a tea estate into commercial plots. Former PMs like Madhav Nepal, Baburam Bhattarai, and Khil Raj Regmi are accused of handing over government lands to private entities and individuals.
Prachanda, a three-time PM, is alleged to have made billions by diverting money meant for Maoist guerrillas when they were kept in UN-monitored cantonments during the peace process.
Five-time PM Sher Bahadur Deuba is accused of taking illegal commissions in the purchase of aircraft, and his wife,
Arzu Rana Deuba, currently the Foreign Affairs Minister of Nepal, has often faced questions in Parliament about her alleged role in fraudulently turning Nepali citizens into Bhutanese nationals on paper and sending them to the United States as refugees.
Corruption in the country has reached its peak, while the common citizen struggles for jobs and unwillingly has to migrate to other nations for bigger opportunities and a better life. One must never forget that if the country goes through political turmoil and chaos, it is at its weakest moment, and in such scenarios, foreign powers try not just to invade but to establish their reign in the land. This is something the Nepalese know, and their nostalgia for Monarchy lies in the craving for stability, which is genuine and real.
What is the beginning point of the protest?
Political instability is not just the outcome of a weak government and confused citizens; it is also the byproduct of corruption.
The series of events started to unfold when the last king of Nepal landed in Kathmandu on March 9th, 2025. Before that, he signaled on the eve of Democracy Day of Nepal about his wish to come back to power and save the land from corrupt politicians. After he landed in Kathmandu, people surrounded him with the flags of Nepal and chanted “Raja aau, desh bachau” (May the King come to save the country) and “Down with the corrupt government.” Massive rallies were and are taking place in every nook and corner of Nepal.
What is the current situation?
As per a press release, three people have been killed, and around 110 people from the protest have been injured. The protest turned violent, and the army was called to control the crowd. The military men outnumbered the rally rioters. The need for the Army was sensed among the officials when the mob started to vandalize property, loot shops, burn vehicles, and attack party and media offices.
The government and other parties of the country blame the violence on King Gyanendra and have asked him to pay the fine for the destruction caused by the rallyists. The total amount calculated by the government to be paid as a fine is 7,93,000 rupees.
In response to the rally and then the protest, which turned violent, the government of Nepal is discussing the arrest or house arrest of King Gyanendra. The government has already reduced the security of his house.
In conclusion of the article, there is one question that popped up in my head: What would a change of regime in Nepal bring for India?
When I answer this, we must keep some facts of the past fresh in our heads, and that is, ideology does shape the world around us. The Cold War might have ended, but its impact is lasting longer than one had expected. In the globalized world, one wouldn’t be untouched by the actions and decisions taken far away from their land. Nepal is the same for India. Geography suggests and speaks of China’s indirect and direct presence in the heartland of Kathmandu. The present government is ruled and run by a communist leader, and his ideology has had some repercussions for India to pay. From investing in the BRI project to Pokhara International Airport, which is geographically a strategic advancement for China, Nepal is in deep trouble and is contributing to its rise as a potential threat for India. The payment of PIA is supposed to start from the year 2026. Going by China’s debt-trap diplomacy, if Nepal fails to pay the amount back, PRC will take charge of the airport. The presence of PLA soldiers so near to the borderland of India is terrifying. To keep an eye and gather information about our side will not only be easy but also handily accessible. The PLA operating from Pokhara International Airport would definitely make India worried, as the distance is as little as approximately 200 km.
King Gyanendra and his family have deep-rooted religious connections to India; their Royal Family deity is housed in the Gorakhnath temple, whose present head is Yogi Adityanath, the present CM of Uttar Pradesh. As per my understanding, it is always easier to work with people who have common ground in culture, spirituality, and history. The understanding between two groups or individuals seems to gain momentum with soft power in favor. However, the Foreign Minister of Nepal, Arzu Rana Deuba, confronted S. Jaishankar over India’s involvement in the protest, if any, to which the Indian minister firmly denied any such participation.
Ideologies never die; they are just wrapped under the sheet of time, waiting for someone to uncover them. The idea of monarchy for Nepal is the same. Time and again, it will find its way back to its roots and will surface in the present. What would be the solution to keep it in check and avoid any similar mishap in the future? Someone who has tasted the flavor of power will hardly give up on it. So, the possible solution is to distribute power among the participants of it. The best for Nepal would be to introduce something similar to the United Kingdom’s system—a system where the monarchy’s power is checked by Parliament.
All parties should aim to shun extremism and choose the middle path—for example, communists going the socialist democrat way, and monarchy supporters accepting the will of the people through Parliament.
A UK-like system could offer a more stable form of government where power is distributed and balanced between the monarchy and Parliament. It would be difficult for any one entity to dominate the political scene.
To achieve this larger-visioned goal, Nepal can always rely on India, as we wish their best interest and have “roti-beti ka rishta” with Nepalese for centuries. India acting as a mediator will only help both countries to have a healthy relationship. In international relations, we can hardly pick a side and favor it. We do not antagonize our relations with other nations based on their internal conflict.
The Nepalese are smart enough to figure out what they wish from their leaders and strong enough to get it either by demands or protests; after all, it is the land of brave Gurkhas.
India, what does it truly want for Nepal? Only and only growth and prosperity. Having “roti-beti ka rishta,” we do not wish any mishap for Nepal. We have always been the first responder when it came to humanitarian help. We know, understand, and even respect the importance of Nepalese joining the military. Indians have fought next to them, and it would be a fool’s act to defy the ones with whom we have shared blood. Allowing us in the area of mediation, we will only advocate and stand with the idea of a peaceful Nepal where everyone is satisfied. We already have enough conflict in the region and do not wish it for the land of Buddha.
With time, we will have lots to unfold if the protests keep their feet on the ground. What is held for India? Well, time will reveal it too with clarity.
monarchy