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.
- 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.