In a significant display of political sentiment, supporters of Nepal's abolished monarchy have taken to the streets of Kathmandu, demanding the institution's restoration just weeks before pivotal parliamentary elections scheduled for March.
Peaceful Rally Marks Royal Anniversary
The gathering on Sunday, 11 January 2026, was the first major demonstration by royalists since a wave of youth-led protests last September installed an interim government. Participants converged around the statue of King Prithvi Narayan Shah, the 18th-century founder of the Shah dynasty, to mark his birth anniversary. Chants of "We love our king. Bring back the king" filled the air, yet the event remained peaceful under the close watch of riot police. This contrasted with previous years, where such annual rallies have descended into violence, including a pro-king demonstration last March that resulted in two fatalities.
A Republic Under Pressure
The monarchy was formally abolished in 2008, forcing the last Shah king, Gyanendra, to step down and establishing Nepal as a republic. However, the royal family retains considerable support. Protester Samrat Thapa articulated a growing sentiment among some, stating, "The last and only alternative for this country is king and monarchy only." He linked the demand directly to recent political turmoil, arguing that after the so-called 'Gen Z movement', monarchy was needed "to manage the situation."
Interim Government Faces Scrutiny
The current political landscape was shaped by September's violent demonstrations, where disgruntled young people protested against corruption, poor governance, and a lack of opportunities. Their anger was initially triggered by a short-lived social media ban imposed by the previous administration. The protests led to the formation of an interim government headed by Nepal's first female prime minister, Sushila Karki, a retired Supreme Court judge. However, Karki's administration has itself faced criticism for perceived delays in pursuing corruption cases, adding to the nation's political tensions as it approaches the March polls.
The royalist rally underscores the deep and enduring political divisions within Nepal. With the March elections looming, the call to revive the monarchy introduces a complex, historical dimension to the country's ongoing struggle for stable and effective governance.
