Nepal’s constitution adopted the Federal Democratic Republic process in 2015. But the longing for Hindu Monarchy didn’t pass through Nepalis bloodstream. With 81.3 percent of the Hindu population, secularism’s agenda is still not assimilated by most populations.
After 2015, the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) is conducting small protests calling to restore the Hindu Monarchy.
But it’s been a week since Nepalis furiously protested in Kathmandu, Pokhara, Biratnagar, and other major cities—demanding the change of the current political process. Placards and slogans like “King, please come back and save the country” are seen in the demonstrations.
The rise of corruption, clash inside Nepal’s Communist Party (NCP), and poor opposition is becoming major issues of frustration for the Nepalis.
Is it possible to restore a Hindu Monarchy in Nepal?
Changing the whole political process is quite impossible. But there are few examples of returning Monarchy in the world. As Nelson Mandela said, “It always seems impossible until it’s done,” it might apply to the case.
Monarchy returned to Britain after 11 years in 1660. Similarly, in France, years after the revolution, the Bourbon Restoration happened. It adopted constitutional monarchy in 1814-1830.
Demonstrators gather in Kathmandu.
In the past years, Serbia, Bulgaria, and Romania have also protested for the constitutional Monarchy in their country.
The rising protests in Nepal from the past five years call for an alert for the political parties. Former King Gyanendra Bir Bikram Shah’s growing popularity is a major threat for the government.
What if Pro-Monarchy parties win the next election?
Pro-Monarchy parties Rastriya Prajatantra Party, Rashtriya Janashakti Party, Rashtriya Shakti Nepal (RSN), are openly calling for the return of the Hindu Monarchy in Nepal since 2008.
The president of RSN, Keshar Bahadur Bista, is rallying with the protestors all over Nepal. During a protest, he said, “King Gyanendra has no parallel in world history, where a monarch quietly gave up the throne to give leaders a chance, but what they did in the past 14 years was indulging in rampant corruption and plunder.”
Protestors demanding the restoration of the Hindu Monarchy. Picture: Monika Malla/Republica.
These parties didn’t get many votes in the elections since 2007. However, in the present day, the pro-Hindu Monarchy parties are receiving people’s attention. If they rise into power in the next election, it is possible to have a referendum for the Hindu Monarchy’s return.
If people vote for the referendum, there might be a chance to change the order. But it’s too soon to call that.
Who is Funding the demonstrations?
As obvious, behind every political movement, there is funding. Without sufficient donations, political parties can’t organize mass gatherings.
It’s known that the Rastriya Prajatantra Party and Rashtirya Shakti Nepal are organizing the movements. But a small political party in the legislature has insufficient money. So the hand behind the curtains is still unknown.
Prime Minister of Nepal KP Sharma Oli. File Photo.
According to the analysts, India is somehow responsible for wealth funding. The rise of the ruling party, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and its Hindutva ideology is drawing Nepalis whimsical to reclaim the secular country as a Hindu Monarchy.
But without sufficient claims, it’s better not to finalize the comment of analysts. Further, Indian vehicles in the demonstrations on the outskirts of Nepali cities are seen regularly.
However, thousands of people are also craving out in the bike rallies without any influence.
Is the Government doing something to oppress?
Suppressing the movements is no new thing for a government. Recently, a senior politician of the Nepali Congress, Ram Chandra Paudel, was held by Nepal Police in Tanahu during an inauguration ceremony of a bridge.
The local administrations are only appealing to not to organize the protests because of COVID-19. But it’s impossible to impose power for a peaceful protest despite a surge of coronavirus cases in Nepal.
In the present condition, the government is only a watchdog. It is not using coercion for the agitators.
What is the Ruling Party’s say about the demonstrations?
Nepal Communist Party’s spokesperson Narayan Kaji Shrestha said that “The Gaps in the implementation of the republican system could be reviewed, but the demand for a revival of the monarchy is regressive.”
The ruling party is not giving much attention to the demonstrations for Hindu Monarchy. A senior politician of NCP has challenged the Ex-King Gyanendra Bir Bikram Shah to open a new party and come out in the elections.
Narayan Kaji Shrestha. Picture: Republica.
Furthermore, NCP is currently plagued by an internal clash between CPN Leaders K.P Sharma Oli, Prachanda, and senior politician Madhav Kumar Nepal trio. That’s why they are not paying much attention to the activities.
In Conclusion
An internal clash in the ruling NCP and lack of government’s policy to control the corruption is drawing Nepalis towards the same political order which they overthrow with pride.
The only significant opposition, Nepali Congress, is also helpless to win back people’s emotions. If the protests continue, it might definitely cause an impact.
To stay safe from people’s collision, the government of Nepal should win back citizens’ hearts. Otherwise, something can happen in Nepal.
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