Pro-Monarchy Protests in Nepal Call for Return of Former King Gyanendra Shah
Thousands rally in support of reinstating Nepal's monarchy, driven by dissatisfaction with political instability, corruption, and economic challenges.
Overview
- Over 10,000 demonstrators gathered in Kathmandu and Pokhara, urging the reinstatement of Nepal's monarchy, abolished in 2008 after a decade-long civil war.
- Supporters cite political instability, corruption, unemployment, and lack of economic development as reasons for seeking the return of Gyanendra Shah to the throne.
- The Rastriya Prajatantra Party, a Hindu nationalist group, has been a key organizer of the rallies, though analysts doubt a monarchy restoration is imminent.
- Former King Gyanendra Shah has been traveling across Nepal, meeting supporters, but has not publicly confirmed his intentions regarding a potential return to power.
- Controversy arose after images of Indian politician Yogi Adityanath appeared at a pro-monarchy rally, with accusations of political manipulation being denied by the government.