Nearly 17 years after the monarchy was abolished, former King Gyanendra Shah returned to Nepal, greeted by approximately 10,000 supporters advocating for the restoration of the monarchy. Gyanendra relinquished the throne in 2008 following widespread protests and a parliamentary decision to establish a republic. The recent rally reflects growing dissatisfaction with current political leaders, perceived corruption, and lack of development. Despite the public display, skepticism remains about the actual support for reinstating the monarchy, as monarchist parties received minimal backing in recent elections. Observers suggest the pro-monarchy sentiment may represent a broader desire for political change rather than a concrete shift in Nepal’s governance structure.
