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NDTV
5 days ago
- Business
- NDTV
Will Nepal Really See A Return Of The Monarchy?
A huge crowd headed towards Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli's Baluwatar residence from downtown in Kathmandu, chanting slogans in favour of the restoration of the Hindu monarchy, which was abolished in 2008. The crowd, led by former Home Minister Kamal Thapa, tried to break the police cordon. This was on June 1. The police responded to protesters with batons. As they continued to push, the security forces fired tear gas shells to prevent the crowd from entering the premier's residence. Subsequently, as the crowd dispersed, police arrested Thapa. Most strikingly, he was dragged to a police van with his hands and legs tied, before being taken into custody. Hours later, Thapa and the other arrestees were released. A Role Reversal Clashes of this kind have become the norm in Nepal of late. Thapa, a leader of the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) Nepal, was the Home Minister during the 2006 popular uprising that flared across the country. Those protests ended the centuries-old constitutional monarchy. Back then, dismayed by the direct rule of the then King Gyanendra Shah, tens of thousands of people had taken to the streets for nearly a month demanding the abolishment of the centuries-old Hindu monarchy. The government, led by the King's men, had ordered the police to open fire at the protesters. More than two dozen demonstrators were killed, scores of them injured, and thousands of others were detained. Yet, protests continued. The nationwide uprising forced the King to abandon the Royal Palace, ending a 239-year-old tradition. And thus, Nepal was declared a Republic. India, China, the US and other influential countries endorsed the political shift. The King's residence, known as Narayanhiti Royal Palace, was subsequently converted into a museum. Now, nearly two decades later, monarchists like Thapa have taken to the streets, followed by their supporters. The then rulers, who suppressed the people's movement under the guidance of King Gyanendra, are now the protesters. The roles have reversed in less than two decades. A Slew Of Actors In The Fray This time, backed by the frustrated populace, pro-royal forces are hitting the streets, vowing to bring back the King to the Narayanhiti Royal Palace. To amplify their demands, smaller parties, academicians and well-wishers have joined the movement for the restoration of a constitutional monarchy. The royal family itself has been backing the protesters, hosting lunch for leaders and defending their campaign in press statements. Public support for the once-dethroned monarchy has also increased due to various reasons. The country is witnessing an economic crisis that's only worsening, and, consequently, the number of people leaving the country in search of jobs has almost doubled compared to a few decades ago. The alleged involvement of several ruling leaders in high-profile cases, including smuggling, human trafficking, fake refugee and visa scams, has added to the public discontent. So far, not a single case has been investigated fairly, with only junior-ranking officials being held accountable. Thus, it wasn't surprising how recently, when King Gyanendra returned home from Pokhara, visiting several Hindu shrines during his weeks-long stay at his residence in Kathmandu, thousands thronged the Kathmandu airport to escort him to his Palace, Nirmal Niwas. Hoping to cash in on this popular frustration, Gyanendra has also been meeting fragmented pro-royal parties. Two such parties - one led by Thapa and another by Rajendra Lingden - have mobilised their cadres. Consequently, clashes have intensified too, as major republican parties mobilise their own supporters. On Monday evening, the police had to prevent a brawl between the Young Communist League (YCL), the youth wing of the Maoists, and supporters of the royal family. This happened when former princess Himani Shah and her son Hridayendra were attending a mourning procession for the loss of their family members in the 2001 Royal Palace massacre. The Constitutional Hiccup Nepal's constitution has little space for accommodating voices raised by monarchist forces. Legal experts see no such possibility under the existing Constitution. To amend the document and restore the Hindu monarchy, supporters will need to secure a two-thirds majority in Parliament in the election scheduled for 2027. Also, it's unlikely that the monarchists, who command very few seats in Parliament, would secure a majority owing to the complex electoral system. Given this situation, the pro-royalists are now striving to stitch an arrangement with political parties wherein they could reinstate at least a ceremonial monarchy. However, most major parties have adopted a zero-tolerance policy against monarchist forces. Nonetheless, the monarchists, aiming to build international support, have also begun to lobby openly with neighbouring countries, including India. The Indian establishment, however, which had brokered a deal in 2006 bringing Maoist rebels and parliamentary parties together to abolish the monarchy, has shown little favour to the protesters. So is the case with another neighbour, China. In any case, compared to monarchist forces, most major political parties in Nepal have better ties with India and China. There's another problem: the royal family itself is unsure about whom to name as the new King. Gyanendra has already served twice, and his son, Prasa, is unpopular among the public. Only Gyanendra's grandson, Hrydendra, who's currently pursuing higher education in the US, is seen as the future King among some. Given these complexities, the reinstatement of the monarchy seems impossible constitutionally, at least for now. Unable to secure the required majority, pro-monarchists should force the government to come to the table for negotiation. For that to happen, mainstream parties, which anyway have the upper hand as of now, will have to agree to have a dialogue too. In any case, it's unlikely that they will bow to the pro-royalists' demands.
Indian Express
01-06-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
Former Nepal deputy PM arrested as ‘indefinite' pro-monarchy protest enters Day 4
Nepal's former deputy prime minister and chairman of the Rastriya Prajatantra Party-Nepal Kamal Thapa and a half a dozen others were arrested after they tried to enter a restricted area during a pro-monarchy protest in Kathmandu on Sunday, police said. To reinstate monarchy and establish Nepal as a Hindu state, the pro-monarchy groups, including the RPP and RPP Nepal, protested at Narayan Chaur on the fourth day of the 'indefinite' agitation. Rajendra Lingden, the RPP president and a staunch supporter of the monarchy, was leading the protest when agitators tried to break the security cordon and move towards Baluwatar, the prime minister's official residence, and clashed with the police, Kathmandu Valley Police spokesperson Apil Bohora said. Bohara said Thapa and others were arrested for violating the restricted zone around the Narayanhiti Palace Museum area. Later, Rastriya Prajatantra Party leader and member of Parliament Deepak Bahadur Singh was taken into custody at District Police precincts where he went to meet Thapa, who was under detention. Singh and Thapa were released a few hours later. Hundreds of pro-monarchy supporters, chanting slogans against the republican system and in favour of monarchy, participated in the protest. They carried photographs of former king Gyanendra Shah and chanted slogans against the Prime Minister K P Oli-led government. Police and Armed Police Force, Nepal's para-military force, were deployed in additional numbers across the capital on Sunday, a day after the monarchists had marched close to the residence of the Prime Minister on Saturday. Lingden, who chaired a party meeting, said the arrest of the two leaders would only help them bring more people on the street. The 'indefinite' movement seeking restoration of Nepal's pre-2008 status of Hindu Kingdom began on May 29. (With PTI inputs)
India Gazette
27-05-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
Sikkim gears up for PM Modi's visit, Chief Minister Tamang reviews preparations
Gangtok (Sikkim) [India], May 27 (ANI): As Sikkim prepares to celebrate the golden jubilee of its Statehood, the state is abuzz with anticipation ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's likely visit on May 29. The grand celebration, set to take place at Palzor Stadium in Gangtok, is expected to be a historic occasion, highlighting Sikkim's journey over the past 50 years since becoming the 22nd state of India. Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang has been actively overseeing the preparations, inspecting arrangements at the main venue. The Chief Minister reviewed various aspects of the event, including cultural programmes, security, logistics, and hospitality. Under his direct guidance, line departments and local civic bodies have been mobilized to coordinate efforts and ensure a smooth and memorable celebration. Speaking with the media, Sikkim Minister of Rural Development Department, Arun Kumar Upreti expressed people's excitement, noting that the Chief Minister's hands-on approach has boosted the pace and efficiency of preparations. Political Secretary to the Chief Minister, Jacob Khaling, stated that Sikkim is 'fully prepared' for the visit. He said PM Modi will arrive at the Libing Army Helipad and proceed to Palzor Stadium, with citizens expected to line the streets in a grand show of welcome and solidarity. 'The capital and surrounding areas have already been adorned with hoardings and banners, setting a festive tone. Stage construction and decorative works at the stadium are in their final stages,' Khaling said. Earlier on Sunday, while addressing media persons here, BJP Sikkim President DR Thapa said that the people of Sikkim are eagerly awaiting the Prime Minister's visit. He stated that the visit would mark the beginning of new opportunities and developmental projects for the state. 'He will inaugurate many infrastructural projects across Sikkim and also lay the foundation stone of several upcoming initiatives,' Thapa said. On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of Sikkim's statehood, Thapa extended warm greetings to the people of the state. He also paid tribute to those who played a role in Sikkim's merger with India. 'On this occasion, I want to thank all those who were involved in the merger of Sikkim with India. I remember all the six Chief Ministers and their teams of Independent Sikkim from first Chief Minister LD Kazi to Nar Bahadur Bhandari, Sanchaman Limboo, BB Gurung, Pawan Chamling, and incumbent Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang Golay for all their work and efforts.' Referring to Prime Minister's address at the recent Rising Northeast Investors Meet, Thapa said that it opened new avenues for all northeastern states, including Sikkim. He emphasised the need for Sikkim to seize these opportunities. (ANI)
India Gazette
25-05-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
PM Modi to visit Gangtok on March 29 for Sikkim statehood day celebrations
Gangtok (Sikkim) [India],May 25 (ANI) : The Government of Sikkim along with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is all set to host Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Gangtok on March 29 for the Statehood Day celebrations. Addressing media persons here, BJP Sikkim President DR Thapa said that the people of Sikkim are eagerly awaiting the Prime Minister's visit . He stated that the visit would mark the beginning of new opportunities and developmental projects for the state. 'He will inaugurate many infrastructural projects across Sikkim and also lay the foundation stone of several upcoming initiatives,' Thapa said. On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of Sikkim's statehood, Thapa extended warm greetings to the people of the state. He also paid tribute to those who played a role in Sikkim's merger with India. Remembering the leaders of the state, he said, 'On this occasion, I want to thank all those who were involved in the merger of Sikkim with India. I remember all the six Chief Ministers and their teams of Independent Sikkim from first Chief Minister LD Kazi to Nar Bahadur Bhandari, Sanchaman Limboo, BB Gurung, Pawan Chamling, and incumbent Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang Golay for all their work and efforts.' Referring to Prime Minister's address at the recent Rising Northeast Investors Meet, Thapa said that it opened new avenues for all northeastern states, including Sikkim. He emphasized the need for Sikkim to seize these opportunities. Thapa also said that several long-pending demands of the state will be raised during the Prime Minister's visit. These include safeguarding Article 371F, inclusion of 12 left-out communities of Sikkim under tribal status, and the demand for separate Limboo-Tamang seats in the State Assembly, among other political issues. He further mentioned that the matter of reconstruction of National Highway 10, which suffered damage from North Sikkim to Siliguri in West Bengal following the recent Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF), will also be taken up with the Prime Minister. In view of Sikkim's unpredictable weather conditions, and to ensure the visit is not disrupted, Thapa shared that party workers and citizens are conducting prayers and rituals across the state. 'The party delegation is doing Puja and rituals in temples, monasteries, churches, and mosques across Sikkim for seeking blessings for clear weather on that day,' he said.(ANI)
The Hindu
23-05-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Pakistan conducted precision strikes on Indian civilians in border districts of J&K: Derek O'Brien
At the conclusion of their two-day tour of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), a five-member delegation of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) said it was clear that Pakistan had conducted precision strikes on Indian civilians and had specific targets in border districts. The team visited victims of cross-border shelling, which intensified after India's strike on terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) under Operation Sindoor. Also Read | Schools in Poonch, the worst-hit in military confrontation, reopen to only 16% attendance The delegation comprised Derek O'Brien, the TMC's leader in the Rajya Sabha; Sagarika Ghose, deputy leader in the Rajya Sabha; Rajya Sabha MPs Nadimul Haque and Mamata Thakur; along with West Bengal Waterways Minister Manas Bhunia. They visited Poonch on Thursday (May 22, 2025), where 15 civilians were killed, and Rajouri on Friday (May 23, 2025), where three civilians, including J&K senior official Rajkumar Thapa, were killed. After visiting Mr. Thapa's shell-damaged residence, Mr. O'Brien said, 'Even to a lay person it looked like Pakistan was conducting precision strikes, picking very specific targets. We went to six locations, including spending 20 minutes at Mr. Thapa's official residence which was now unoccupied. The shelling was focused on a small area, around his home, which clearly indicates that the shelling was not random. In fact, it seems that Pakistan deliberately picked its targets. We saw similar cases in Poonch too, where specific targets were picked out.' Summing up the TMC delegation's experience travelling from Srinagar via Poonch to Rajouri, Ms. Ghose said, 'We have witnessed the pain, suffering, and loss endured by the families in Poonch. We have seen firsthand their sorrow and grief. This has been a journey of sympathy, empathy, and solidarity. We are here to tell each and every family that they are not alone. We stand with them. The people of Bengal and the people of India stand with them.' Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, will be visiting Poonch district on Saturday (May 24, 2025) to meet the families affected by Pakistani shelling. He had visited Srinagar on April 25 where he met persons injured in the Pahalgam terror attack. J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah welcomed Mr. Gandhi's upcoming visit and also thanked the Trinamool Congress delegation.
