Particle.news
Download on the App Store
3 ARTICLES
·
8h ago

Royalists Rally in Kathmandu to Press for Monarchy’s Return Before March Elections

The peaceful show of support follows youth-led unrest that brought an interim government to power.

Supporters of Nepal's former royal family participate in a rally demanding the restoration of the monarchy as they mark the birth anniversary of the 18th century king Prithivi Narayan Shah, founder of the Shah dynasty, in Katmandu, Nepal, Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026. (AP Photo/Subash Shrestha)
Supporters of Nepal's former royal family participate in a rally demanding the restoration of the monarchy as they mark the birth anniversary of the 18th century king Prithivi Narayan Shah, founder of the Shah dynasty, in Katmandu, Nepal, Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026. (AP Photo/Subash Shrestha)
Image

Overview

  • Supporters of deposed King Gyanendra gathered on Jan. 11 at a statue of Prithvi Narayan Shah, chanting “We love our king” and “Bring back the king.”
  • It was the first major pro-monarchy mobilization since September’s youth-led protests toppled the government and triggered March parliamentary elections.
  • Riot police kept a close watch and no clashes were reported, a contrast with a pro-king rally last March that left two people dead.
  • Nepal abolished the Shah monarchy in 2008, yet royalist sentiment persists, with participants claiming the king is the country's “only alternative.”
  • Interim Prime Minister Sushila Karki, a retired Supreme Court judge and Nepal’s first female premier, has faced criticism for moving slowly on corruption cases.