The public felicitation events of Shah in different parts of the country show that the people are losing trust in the political parties. However, after campaigning for reinstatement of the monarchy for many years, he should accept the fact
The lavish coronation ceremony of King Charles III - the new head of state of the United Kingdom (UK) and 14 Commonwealth realms - on May 6 was a spectacular event to watch on television.
The event reflected that the constitutional monarchy is still esteemed in the UK, and throughout the world. At the same time, the deposed monarch of Nepal, King Gyanendra Shah, was accepting public felicitation in the eastern part of the country. The following week, Shah embarked on a trip to the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh (UP) to call on a cordial meeting with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.
That was one of the many visits of Shah to India during the last few years.
Whatever the official version of the visit, it is obvious that he is seeking a favour from the Indian establishment in reinstating the monarchy in Nepal. In addition, he seems to be dependent on so-called royalist outfits within the country to re-access the throne.
Unfortunately, this is where the ship of the monarchy is slowly sinking in Nepal.
Barring a few exceptions, the monarchy was largely revered in Nepal. At the height of global colonialism, all our neighbouring countries were invaded and ruled by foreigners for many centuries. The gallantry of the Nepali security forces coupled with a competent leadership of the then rulers, and the foresightedness of the royal advisors, Nepal successfully warded off the foreign invasion during the colonial era. Although there were many grave instances of human rights violation throughout the monarchy period, the boundaries of modern Nepal were kept intact by the adroit policies of the rulers of that time.
The harrowing massacre of the royal family in 2001marked the unofficial end of the 240-year-long monarchy in Nepal. King Gyanendra assumed the throne until the monarchy was officially abolished in 2008. Despite being declared a monarch for the first time even as a toddler, Gyanendra Shah was never groomed to be a king.
Hence, the golden opportunity that would have transformed Nepal into a different league of prosperity was wasted.
King Gyanendra's rule would have been the turn-ing point in the history of Nepal, had he acted smartly.
The people were frustrated with the political parties and their leaders at that time. Alas, he and his advisors austerely misread the situation and committed a series of blunders. Despite acting diplomatically to conquer the situation, an autocratic dictatorship was imposed through a coup d'état in 2005. Hu-man rights and freedom of speech were suppressed.
Tested and failed individuals were handpicked in the royal core team.
After the interim parliament declared republicanism in 2008, king Gyanendra graciously abdicated the throne, and shifted from the royal palace to his private adobe. After that, the people expected a stable democratic system to be established. Moreover, social equality and inclu-sion, economic development, political stability, strengthening and reformation of various state institutions such as the judiciary, civil service, and security forces, as well as social and cultural transformation were anticipated.
However, these expectations turned far from reality during the last decades. By now, major economic parameters have plummeted,organised corruption is skyrocketing, and bad governance is prevailing in Nepal.
The infamous fake Bhutanese refugee scam is the most recent example of how organised corruption has entrenched its root within the state machinery.
The persistent public felicitation events of Shah in different parts of the country show that the people are losing trust in the political parties and their leaders.
This seems to be the righttime for the monarchy sympathisers to hit the iron when it is hot. However, the actions of Shah and his supporters are antagonising the cause. After campaigning for reinstatement of the monarchy for many years, he and his supporters should accept the fact that people are not going to reaccept either him or his linage as the head of state.
He has tried hard, so far, and already on the wrong side of age, he should drop the anchor now.
Despite all these adversities, Gyanendra Shah still has the last trump card up his sleeve that might be used to reignite the flame of monarchy in Nepal. As Shah was the main cause of the monarchy's abolishment in Nepal, the last resort remaining is a win-win game for him. He should abdicate his zeal of reigning the nation. People will never accept him again as a king. Rather Nepali citizens are anticipating the charm and glow of late king Birendra in their new head of state. Hence, Gyanendra Shah should issue a statement that he is no more willing to wear the crown and would rather like to continue his life as a commoner.
Moreover, he should demand a free and fair investigation into the royal massacre.
The last trump card – in July 2006, the Nepali government had proposed adopting equal primogeniture in line of succession.
Hence, Shah should demand an unconditional application of that provision, and suggest the eldest daughter of late princess Shruti to access the throne as a cultural monarch, should she agree. There is a slim chance that the people might accept her as the heir of king Birendra. If she does not agree or the people do not recognise her as the monarch, it's game over for the monarchy in Nepal.
In spite of relying on foreigners and showing trust on gluttonous and blemished so-called royalists, Gyanendra Shah should play his last card. If it hits the bull's eye, his image, as the abolisher of the monarchy, will be whitened, and if not, there is nothing to lose for him. He can graciously put an end to the agenda of monarchy forever, and enjoy the rest of his life as a celebrated businessperson.
Dr Joshi is a senior scientist and neurobiologist at Martin-Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Germanypushpa.joshi@gmail.com
A version of this article appears in the print on May 26, 2023, of The Himalayan Times.