Kathmandu: A massive crowd of monarchy supporters took to the streets of Kathmandu on Sunday, demanding the restoration of Nepal’s monarchy amid growing dissatisfaction with the country’s political and economic situation.
The rally coincided with the return of former King Gyanendra Shah, who traveled from Pokhara to Kathmandu via a chartered Simrik Air helicopter, landing at Tribhuvan International Airport at 3:00 p.m. His supporters, led by Rastriya Prajatantra Party-Nepal (RPP-N) President Kamal Thapa, gathered outside the airport, waving national flags and holding banners calling for the reinstatement of the monarchy.
Police estimates suggest that over 10,000 people participated in the demonstration, with many breaking into the airport premises. As Shah departed for his residence, Nirmal Niwas, he acknowledged the crowd by emerging from his car’s sunroof and waving to his supporters.
The procession, consisting of thousands of vehicles, led to traffic congestion across the city. Prior to his departure from Pokhara, the former king was also bid farewell by hundreds of supporters at the Pokhara International Airport.
Tensions flared at Tribhuvan International Airport as some protesters chanted slogans against Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, prompting a brief clash with security personnel. Police were deployed to control the situation.
Reacting to the events, PM Oli condemned the former king’s public statements and rallies, calling them attempts to destabilize the country. Addressing the Sudurpaschim Province Assembly, Oli criticized Shah’s February 18 remarks and questioned the need for a monarchy’s return.
“If he wants to enter politics, he is welcome, but why does he need support for that?” Oli remarked, while also acknowledging Nepal’s economic struggles and vowing improvements within the next two years.
Meanwhile, opposition lawmaker Suresh Ale Magar of the CPN (Maoist Centre) accused the ruling coalition of possible collusion with royalist forces. Speaking in the National Assembly, he dismissed calls for monarchy restoration, arguing that Nepal’s republic system, despite its flaws, was irreversible.
The resurgence of pro-monarchy demonstrations has reignited debates over Nepal’s governance model, nearly two decades after the abolition of the monarchy in 2008.