Nepal's Royal Comeback: A Nation Divided

Nepal's former king, Gyanendra Shah, recently returned to a warm welcome in Kathmandu. Thousands of supporters gathered, hoping to bring back the monarchy and restore Hinduism as the state religion. The crowd chanted slogans and blocked the main entrance to the airport, causing passengers to walk to and from the terminal. The police were present but kept the peace. The monarchy was abolished in 2008 after years of unrest and political turmoil. Since then, Nepal has seen 13 different governments, each struggling to bring stability to the country. Many Nepalis are frustrated with the current political system, citing widespread corruption and a struggling economy as major issues. The supporters of the monarchy believe that the return of the king could bring about much-needed change. One supporter, Thir Bahadur Bhandari, expressed his hope that the king could save the country from further deterioration. Another supporter, Kulraj Shrestha, had initially protested against the monarchy but has since changed his mind, blaming the current political system for the country's problems. Gyanendra Shah became king in 2002 after a tragic palace massacre. He initially ruled as a constitutional head of state but later seized absolute power in 2005. His rule was marked by the disbanding of the government and parliament, the jailing of politicians and journalists, and a state of emergency. Despite the growing support for his return, Gyanendra has not commented on the calls for the monarchy's reinstatement. The chances of the monarchy's immediate return are slim. However, the recent support for the former king highlights the deep divisions within Nepalese society. The country's future remains uncertain as it grapples with political instability and economic struggles. The situation in Nepal serves as a reminder of the complexities of political change. While some see the monarchy as a solution to the country's problems, others view it as a step backward. The debate over the monarchy's future is far from over, and the people of Nepal will continue to grapple with the challenges of political and economic reform.