Nepal

Ex-king says Agasti leadership failed to deliver

Ex-king says ‘Agasti’ leadership failed to deliver

By Himalayan News Service

Former King Gyanendra Shah speaking at a press conference before leaving the Narayanhiti Palace, 14 days after the nation was declared Republic, on June 11, 2008. Photo: THT/ File

Kathmandu April 12 Former king Gyanendra Shah has expressed his dissatisfaction with the current leadership, which he dubbed Agasti (power-hungry), saying it was unable to address people’s aspirations. “At a time when the concept of ‘nation’ has weakened and regional and global politics have entered a new phase, the division between Nepali people’s worries and the megalomania of leadership has been damaging,” he said, while extending his New Year greetings to the Nepali people. He also said the country has been weakened due to the leadership’s tendency to keep personal interest above national interest. The ex-king also pointed out the need to move ahead by incorporating all patriots, who he said can firmly stand on Nepal’s soil and safeguard Nepaliness, Nepal’s existence and Nepal’s independence. He also reminded about the geo-political sensitivity and power balance of South Asia. In his New Year message, the ex-king urged all to give priority to the country over foreign nations. He also said that by now all the people have become aware of where we were in the past and where we are at present; what should be our common and appropriate roadmap; whose sacrifice and contribution was what and whose importance is what.