QuickPost News | March 11, 2025 | Kathmandu
KATHMANDU—Nepal’s streets are alive with chants of “Long Live the King!” as thousands rally to bring back Gyanendra Shah, the nation’s last monarch, ousted 17 years ago. Frustrated by a revolving door of 13 governments since 2008, rampant corruption, and a sluggish economy, citizens are turning to the past, demanding “Nepal monarchy restoration 2025.” Is this a desperate cry or a real shift?
Nepal Protests King: A Royal Revival?
On Sunday, Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport swarmed with over 10,000 supporters welcoming Gyanendra Shah after his western Nepal tour. Waving banners—“Empty the Palace for the King,” “We Want Monarchy”—they clogged the capital, urging a return to royal rule and Nepal’s Hindu state status. “Gyanendra Shah return” trends on X as videos of bike rallies and slogans go viral. Police peg the crowd at 10,000; royalists claim lakhs.
Why Now? A Nation Fed Up
The 240-year Shah dynasty ended in 2008 after a Maoist-led push made Nepal a republic. But stability never came—13 prime ministers in 17 years, economic stagnation, and corruption scandals have soured the dream. “Democracy failed us,” said protester Bahadur Bhandari, 72, once a 2006 anti-king marcher, now a royalist. Nepal’s interim government under Pushpa Kamal Dahal faces heat as “Nepal protests king” searches spike.
Gyanendra’s Shadow: Power or Symbol?
Gyanendra, 77, ascended in 2001 after a palace massacre killed King Birendra and family. His 2005 power grab sparked the 2006 uprising that dethroned him. Now a private citizen, he’s silent on restoration calls—analysts say a comeback’s unlikely, but his presence stokes nostalgia. “The king saved us before,” a supporter told CNN, eyeing history over hope.
What’s Next: Crown or Chaos?
Royalists demand Gyanendra reclaim the Narayanhiti Palace, vacant since 2008. Yet, Nepal’s constitution and secular status stand firm—undoing them needs a political earthquake. As helicopters circle and tensions simmer, QuickPost News tracks if this is a fleeting roar or a royal reckoning.
Data Sources & Validation:
- Quotes and protest scale cross-checked via Sangbad Pratidin and Channeli Online, dated March 10-11, 2025—official figures pending, reflecting early reporting from credible regional outlets.
- Rally details (10,000+ supporters, slogans) from posts on X and web reports like Zee News India and Matopath, dated March 10-11, 2025—treated as breaking sentiment, not fully verified due to lack of official confirmation at this stage.
- Historical context (2008 abolition, 13 governments) from QuickPost News (March 7-10 archives) and Wikipedia: Monarchy of Nepal—consistent with established timelines and widely accepted historical records.
