Grand Welcome Planned by Pro-Monarchists at Tribhuvan International Airport
Kathmandu, March 8 – Nepal's former king Gyanendra Shah is scheduled to return to Kathmandu from Pokhara on Sunday after concluding his extensive nationwide tour that spanned several months. His return is expected to draw significant attention, as pro-monarchist supporters, led by the Rastriya Prajatantra Party and other loyalist groups, have announced plans for a grand welcome at Tribhuvan International Airport.
According to pro-monarchist leaders, thousands of supporters will gather at the airport on Sunday afternoon to greet the former monarch. In response, local authorities in Kathmandu are preparing stringent security measures to prevent any potential unrest. Security personnel will be deployed extensively along the route from the airport to Nirmal Niwas in Maharajgunj, Shah's official residence.
Growing Monarchist Sentiment Amid National Discontent
Support for the former king has reportedly grown over recent weeks, fueled by increasing public discontent stemming from corruption, unemployment, inflation, nepotism, and favouritism under the current administration. Pro-monarchist groups have intensified their activities, rallying across various cities, including Kathmandu, since Democracy Day on February 19. Their demonstrations have frequently included slogans praising Shah and criticizing the incumbent government.
During his nationwide tour, Gyanendra Shah delivered a notable message to citizens, stating, "Time has come for me to assume responsibility to protect the country and bring about national unity." Political observers suggest that widespread dissatisfaction with the current political leadership has created fertile conditions for the resurgence of monarchist sentiments.
Political Parties Respond to Monarchist Movement
The renewed momentum behind monarchist demonstrations has prompted major political figures to take notice. Pushpakamal Dahal "Prachanda," chairman of the Communist Party of Nepal-Maoist Centre (CPN-Maoist), recently cut short his ongoing campaign in the Terai region to return to Kathmandu. He intends to discuss the emerging political scenario with his party leaders.
Speculation is rife that Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli may soon convene an all-party meeting to deliberate on the country's fluid political environment and the challenges posed by the pro-monarchist movement.
Former Prime Minister Rejects Possibility of Monarchy's Return
Despite growing support for Shah, prominent political leaders have dismissed the likelihood of monarchy's reinstatement. Former Prime Minister and CPN-Unified Socialist chairman Madhav Kumar Nepal firmly stated on Friday that monarchy has no future in Nepal.
"Monarchy has become a history of the past, so there is no possibility of its reinstatement," he declared. He further suggested that if Gyanendra Shah genuinely wishes to serve the country, he should contest elections and aim to become Prime Minister.
Political Leaders Warn Gyanendra Shah Against Misguided Actions
Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli, Nepali Congress president Sher Bahadur Deuba, and CPN-Maoist chairman Pushpakamal Dahal have collectively cautioned Shah against undertaking any imprudent actions by leveraging a small group of supporters.
Gyanendra Shah was Nepal's last reigning king, having ruled the Himalayan nation from 2001 until 2008, when the monarchy was abolished following the establishment of a federal democratic republic.
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