Nepal: Mood For Monarchy’s Return In Nepal? – OpEd

Nearly seventeen years ago on May 28, 2008, Nepal abolished a 239-year-old Hindu monarchy, with Gyanendra Shah as king, and brought the curtain down on a decade-long civil war that had killed over 16,000 people. 

The Hindu-majority nation was reborn as a federal, secular republic. There have been periodic Pro-Monarchy movements in Nepal, especially from groups dissatisfied with the current political system. Some factions argue that the monarchy provided stability compared to the political instability that Nepal has faced since the monarchy’s abolition in 2008.There has been a growing demand in Nepal for the return of the monarchy and the restoration of Nepal as a Hindu kingdom. This resurgence of monarchist sentiment stems from widespread dissatisfaction with Nepal’s current political landscape. Nepal has witnessed 13 different governmental changes. Many Nepalis attribute ongoing issues such as political instability, economic challenges, and pervasive corruption of the existing system. Some individuals who previously opposed the monarchy now express regret, believing that the nation’s situation has deteriorated further. 

Former King Gyanendra Shah Returns

Former King Gyanendra Shah’s recent return to Kathmandu has ignited significant public demonstrations advocating for the restoration of Nepal’s monarchy and the reestablishment of Hinduism as the state religion. An estimated 10,000 supporters gathered at Tribhuvan International Airport. “Come King, save the nation…” was in the Kathmandu air! “Narayanhiti Khali garo, hamro Raja aaunde chhan,” meaning ‘Vacate the royal palace, we are bringing our king back’, was one of the calls during the bike rallies. 

Despite the visible support for the former king, the prospect of reinstating the monarchy remains uncertain. In the 2022 general election, the monarchist Rastriya Prajatantra Party secured only 14 out of 275 parliamentary seats, indicating limited formal political backing. Former Indian ambassador Ranjit Rae noted that these demonstrations likely aim to express dissatisfaction and a desire for change, rather than expecting a reversal of Nepal’s political evolution. Several factors contribute to this movement:

Dissatisfaction with the Current System

Many people feel that the political parties and the federal democratic system have failed to bring stability, economic growth, and effective governance. Corruption, frequent government changes, and lack of strong leadership have frustrated citizens. Many Nepalese feel betrayed by their leaders, who promise reforms but fail to deliver. Corruption scandals involving politicians and bureaucrats have deepened public distrust. Youth, in particular, are frustrated with the lack of employment opportunities and economic progress. 

A segment of the population has become indifferent to politics, believing that no leader can bring real change. Voter turnout in elections has seen fluctuations, with some choosing not to vote, believing it makes no difference. All this has led some to reconsider monarchy as an alternative.

Protests, Activism and Good Governance

There have been periodic protests against corruption and government failures, led by youth groups and civil society. Social media has become a powerful platform for expressing dissatisfaction and exposing corruption. People want a government that focuses on development, job creation, and reducing poverty. Many support new or independent political movements that promise reform and transparency.

Nostalgia for Stability under the Monarchy

Some people believe Nepal was more stable under King’s rule before the monarchy was abolished in 2008. They feel that the king acted as a unifying figure, preventing political divisions. However, no major political party currently supports the restoration of the monarchy. The mainstream parties (Nepali Congress, CPN-UML, CPN-Maoist) remain committed to the republic.

While some people are nostalgic about the monarchy, many still prefer democracy, despite its flaws. The younger generation, especially in urban areas, is largely indifferent to monarchy.

Hindu Identity and Cultural Sentiments

Nepal was once the world’s only Hindu kingdom before becoming a secular state in 2008. Some believe reinstating the monarchy would restore Nepal’s Hindu identity, stability and Nepal be declared a Hindu state again, rather than a secular one. They believe this will help preserve Hindu traditions and culture.

Economic Struggles 

Inflation, unemployment, and mismanagement of resources have increased financial stress among citizens. Many blame political instability for slow economic progress and poor infrastructure development. With rising unemployment and inflation, people are seeking an alternative to the current political system. Nationalist sentiments, often linked with the monarchy, are growing, especially among the youth. Due to a lack of opportunities and instability, many Nepalese, especially the youth, are looking for jobs abroad. Brain drain has become a serious issue, with skilled workers leaving the country for better prospects.

Increasing Support for Former King Gyanendra

Former King Gyanendra has been visiting different parts of Nepal, where he receives large public gatherings. Some see him as a possible solution to the country’s political and economic troubles. While the demand for a Hindu monarchy is growing, it remains uncertain whether it will lead to a formal political change. The political parties, including the ruling ones, are strongly against reinstating the monarchy.

English-language Media Outlets

Recent discussions in Nepal have seen a resurgence of interest in the potential restoration of the monarchy, a topic that has elicited varied responses from English-language media outlets:

The Times on March 10, 2025 reported on the return of former king Gyanendra Shah to Nepal, where he was greeted by approximately 10,000 supporters advocating for the monarchy’s reinstatement. However, the article notes skepticism regarding the actual support for Gyanendra, pointing out that monarchist parties secured minimal backing in recent elections. The pro-monarchy sentiment is interpreted more as a desire for change than an anticipated reversal of Nepal’s political evolution. 

Firstpost in an opinion piece dated March 13, 2024, addressed the growing calls for the monarchy’s return, attributing them to political instability and economic challenges under the republican system. The article acknowledges the grievances but cautions against romanticizing the past, emphasizing that the failures of Nepal’s political class, rather than the democratic system itself, have led to the current discontent. It advocates for addressing the root causes of dissatisfaction within the democratic framework instead of reverting to monarchical rule. 

The Kathmandu Post April 3, 2024, editorial critiqued the notion that reinstating the monarchy would resolve Nepal’s issues, labeling such ideas as nostalgic and ahistoric. The piece argues that the monarchy’s restoration is unlikely to meet public expectations and that past experiences with absolute monarchy have failed. It suggests that the current pro-monarchy sentiment arises from disillusionment with political leaders rather than genuine support for monarchical governance. 

Metaphore Magazine November 6, 2024 in an article presented a perspective favoring the monarchy’s return, proposing that a constitutional monarchy could serve as a unifying force and stabilize Nepal’s political landscape. Monarchy’s reinstatement could reinforce cultural and religious identity, potentially offering continuity and national pride. 

Political leaders: “Monarchy is history of the Past”:

Madhav Kumar Nepal, Nepal’s former Prime Minister and chairman of the CPN-Unified Socialist said the country has ruled out the possibility of reinstatement of monarchy as claimed by some people and a section of the media. “Monarchy has become a history of the past, so there is no possibility of its reinstatement.” He also advised former king Gyanendra Shah to contest election and become the prime minister if he wishes to serve the nation.

Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli, “If the former king thinks that he is popular, he has the freedom to establish a party and contest the election by honouring the constitution.”  

CPN-Maoist Centre chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal “Prachanda” and Nepali Congress president Sher Bahadur Deuba warned the former king “Not to do foolish things by using a handful of people in his favour and there is no place for a king in a republican system.”

A Million-dollar question Will Monarchy’s Return to Nepal?

While people remain hopeful for a better future, trust in politicians is at an all-time low. The mood is a mix of anger, disappointment, and a deep yearning for change. King Gyanendra’s return has galvanized segments of the population yearning for the monarchy’s revival. The situation underscores a broader public discontent with the existing political system, highlighting a collective yearning for stability, effective governance, and national development.

While there is a segment of the Nepalese population advocating for the monarchy’s return, mainstream English-language media editorials predominantly express skepticism about its efficacy in addressing the nation’s challenges. These editorials emphasize the importance of strengthening democratic institutions and addressing governance issues within the existing republican framework.

At this moment, the probability of monarchy’s return remains low, unless the current system completely fails, leading to widespread public demand for its revival and a powerful political movement emerges, backed by influential groups. While pro-monarchy sentiments exist, they are not yet strong enough to overturn the republic will require constitutional changes to alter Nepal’s current republican framework. However, Nepal’s political landscape is unpredictable, and if instability continues, the monarchy could become a serious discussion point in the future.