KATHMANDU: On the eve of Nepal’s 75th Democracy Day, February 19, Former King Gyanendra Shah expressed extreme dissatisfaction with the current state of the nation. In a recorded video message, Shah called for national unity, urging citizens to join hands to protect the country. “We have been generous in the interest of the nation. We have given up our positions and privileges wishing for the good of the people. Sacrifice will never be small,” he remarked.

While Shah has made similar statements in the past, his latest message has sparked considerable political debate and priority. The royalist camp has rallied behind his call, interpreting it as a signal for a renewed push for the monarchy’s return. Shah’s appeal for public support, which he explicitly voiced in the video, has resonated with his supporters, who see his words as a rallying cry for the restoration of the monarchy.

Shah’s call to action, “Now the time has come, if we want to save the nation, if we want to maintain national unity, we call on all countrymen to support us for the prosperity and progress of the country,” marked a notable shift from his previous, less direct messages. The political circles have been abuzz since the video’s release, with pro-monarchy groups excited by the statement, while major political parties quickly dismissed it. Critics have labeled his appeal as “meaningless,” arguing that Shah is trying to capitalize on the nation’s current challenges to reignite divisive political discussions. Nevertheless, Shah’s message has undeniably stirred the political waters, reigniting conversations around Nepal’s national identity and the future of its governance.

What Happened After Former King Gyanendra Shah’s Statement in Political Circles?

A political wave has erupted in Nepal following a statement made by former King Gyanendra Shah on Democracy Day, which has reverberated across Parliament, political circles, and the National Assembly. Shah’s video, in which he appealed for public support and hinted at restoring the monarchy, has left the country divided. Royalist groups, including the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP), expressed joy at his call for a “struggle,” while others sharply criticized the message.

Congress MP Ishwori Devi Neupane firmly rejected Shah’s stance, declaring that “anti-republican statements are unacceptable” and suggested, “if you want to return to power, contest the elections in 2084.” In response, RPP Chairman Rajendra Lingden defended the monarchy, stating, “I believe that the monarchy should be given some space in Nepal.” He further insisted that, “whether you brought it by fighting or by riding on the back of a foreigner, if that republic turns into a looting regime, we will oppose it.”

CPN-UML MP Gokul Baskota mocked the notion of bringing back the monarchy, stating, “No need to worry too much, just buy a plane ticket, sir, and he will return without a rally. Returning to Kathmandu is possible, but returning to the throne is not possible.”

RPP’s Gyanendra Shahi pushed for a referendum on the monarchy, questioning the legitimacy of the 2015 constitution, which he claimed was “imposed by foreigners in their own interests.”

Former Deputy Prime Minister Bamdev Gautam also weighed in, advising Shah to “register a democratic party under his leadership” and participate in the 2084 elections. Gautam warned that attempts to restore the monarchy could result in a political scenario similar to the historical shifts in Britain and France, adding, “If we try to become a king again, the situation of Great Britain and France may repeat in Nepal.”

As the debate continues to unfold, Shah’s statement has reignited discussions on Nepal’s political identity, with royalists calling for the return of the monarchy and republicans fiercely defending the current system.

What Did Former King Gyanendra Shah Say in His Public Appeal Video?

As Nepal grapples with the complexities of its democratic experiment, Shah’s message is both a reminder of the monarchy’s enduring symbolic presence and a critique of the challenges democracy faces in the country. His emphasis on discipline, national unity, and rectifying historical errors resonates with a segment of the population disillusioned by political instability and economic stagnation.

On the eve of Nepal’s 75th Democracy Day, former King Gyanendra Shah released a video message that has sparked fresh waves of discussion about the nation’s democratic trajectory and its challenges. The nearly ten-and-a-half-minute message, subtitled in English and evidently seeking to resonate beyond Nepal’s borders, was a plea for unity and support—not just from his countrymen but seemingly from the international community as well.

The former monarch’s address was an unusual blend of reflection, criticism, and appeal, departing from his previously restrained communications. While reiterating his sacrifices for the nation’s welfare, Shah voiced deep dissatisfaction with the current state of Nepal, warning of eroding national identity, economic decay, and widespread disillusionment among the youth.

Yet, his words also invite questions. Is this a statesman’s genuine appeal for the nation’s revival, or a calculated move to reignite royalist sentiments? As Democracy Day celebrations unfold, the former king’s message is sure to fuel debates on Nepal’s political future, offering both a critique of the present and a nostalgic vision of the past.

For now, Gyanendra Shah remains a figure of contention—a monarch without a throne but with a platform that continues to command attention. Whether his call will translate into tangible change or remain a poignant reminder of Nepal’s turbulent journey, only time will tell.

Shah’s narrative centered on his own relinquishment of the throne, framed as a selfless act for the prosperity of the Nepali people. “We have been generous in the interest of the nation. We have given up our positions and privileges wishing for the good of the people. Sacrifice will never be small,” he remarked, adding that such gestures should not be misinterpreted as weakness. The former king’s tone was resolute as he called on citizens to rise above apathy and division.

The message reflected a broader critique of Nepal’s political and social order. “Democracy is the best form of government in the modern era,” he acknowledged, but he emphasized the need for conduct that upholds democratic principles. His appeal was a cautionary note against the “arrogance of the opposition,” the “politics of prohibition,” and the prioritization of self-interest over public welfare.

The former king painted a stark picture of Nepal’s present-day challenges. From an exodus of youth to foreign lands and collapsing industries to crippling national debt and faltering education systems, Shah’s critique touched on a litany of issues plaguing the country. “Nepal’s practices, policies, and activities are not good,” he declared, lamenting the lack of faith citizens have in the system. “Democracy should be a system of hope,” he said, but added that for three decades, this promise has failed to materialize.

The core of Shah’s message was a call to collective action. “Let us move forward by correcting the shortcomings of the past and the mistakes against our nature and culture,” he urged. Proposing unity as the antidote to Nepal’s current woes, he appealed to all political factions and citizens to come together. “We desire to unite all the parties and all the people. The meaning and purpose of our sacrifice are the same,” he said.

While stopping short of a direct political proposal, Shah’s words carried undertones of readiness to step into a leadership role if the situation demanded. “We have decided to solve the national problem. Now we are ready to sacrifice anything for the development of Nepal,” he declared, concluding with a plea for solidarity to preserve national unity and identity.

Will Nepal’s Former King Stage a Comeback? Analyzing Gyanendra’s Video  Statement

In a rare and striking development, Nepal’s former king, Gyanendra Shah, has broken his long silence to signal a potential interest in reclaiming the throne. His video statement, released on the eve of Democracy Day, has set the nation abuzz. For the first time since the abolition of the monarchy in 2008, the deposed monarch has hinted at a desire for a comeback, throwing the spotlight on Nepal’s deeply polarized political landscape.

Supporters of the monarchy celebrated Gyanendra’s boldness, viewing his statement as a clarion call for restoring national unity. In contrast, republican advocates expressed outrage, with social media platforms and parliamentary debates reverberating with indignation. Is this a nostalgic monarch seeking relevance in the twilight of his life, or a calculated move to exploit growing discontent with the current political system?

A Nation at Crossroads: Political Chaos and Public Discontent

Nepal finds itself in the throes of a political crisis. Widespread corruption, cronyism, and political interference in key institutions, including the judiciary, have eroded public trust. Citizens are increasingly disillusioned with the political elite, whose failure to deliver basic services and opportunities has left the country mired in stagnation.

This discontent has created fertile ground for alternative narratives, including a longing for the perceived stability of the monarchy. However, recent election results reveal limited popular support for royalist forces. The Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP), the primary political vehicle advocating for a return to monarchy, garnered just 600,000 votes—a fraction of the 14 million votes cast in the proportional representation system during the last general election. Similarly, the party’s performance in local by-elections has been lackluster. Despite this, the monarchy remains a potent symbol for those nostalgic for an era untainted by political turmoil.

Grassroots Movements and Social Media Campaigns

Royalist campaigns have gained momentum in recent years, with supporters frequently staging demonstrations featuring national flags and banners advocating for the restoration of the monarchy and a Hindu state. These movements often claim independence from formal political affiliations, yet their messaging aligns closely with that of the RPP.

Social media platforms amplify these voices, spreading royalist narratives to a broader audience. Even outside Nepal, small-scale activities supporting the monarchy have been observed, particularly in India. These efforts underscore a persistent—if limited—appetite for the monarchy’s return among certain segments of the population. However, analysts note that younger generations, disillusioned with the established political order, are more inclined to rally behind emerging leaders such as Kathmandu’s Mayor Balen Shah rather than seek solace in the past.

The Meaning Behind the Former King’s Actions

Gyanendra’s recent statement and his public engagements—including nationwide tours and visits to India and Bhutan—indicate a desire to re-enter Nepal’s political discourse. In December, he visited Lucknow, meeting with prominent Indian figures such as RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. Before that, he held a private meeting with Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, a visit that has fueled speculation about its political significance.

Sources close to Gyanendra suggest these meetings reflect a growing recognition of Nepal’s need for a stable, permanent power structure. This narrative resonates with whispers of dissatisfaction in Indian political circles regarding Nepal’s current government, led by KP Sharma Oli. Notably, Oli’s administration has yet to secure a formal state visit to India despite being in power for months, signaling potential diplomatic rifts.

While Gyanendra’s actions have reignited debate over the monarchy’s role in Nepal, most analysts agree that a return to royal rule is improbable. Restoring the throne would require either a constitutional amendment, which is unlikely without overwhelming parliamentary support, or massive public protests demanding systemic change. Neither scenario appears imminent.

A more plausible—albeit speculative—path involves geopolitical maneuvering, with foreign powers backing Gyanendra to stabilize Nepal amid regional uncertainties. However, such a scenario remains far-fetched, and Gyanendra himself has avoided making explicit calls for reinstatement, preferring to gauge public sentiment through indirect appeals.

Gyanendra’s statement has deepened divisions within Nepal’s political spectrum. While royalist factions have seized the moment to rally their base, republican leaders have doubled down on their commitment to Nepal’s federal democratic system. Pushpa Kamal Dahal, the Maoist leader and a key architect of the republican movement, has dismissed speculation that his party might entertain symbolic roles for the monarchy, akin to Cambodia’s constitutional model. Yet, such rumors persist, reflecting the undercurrents of uncertainty in Nepal’s political discourse.

Nepal faces a confluence of challenges that make the monarchy an attractive alternative for some—political instability, corruption, and public disillusionment among them. However, the reality is that a return to royal rule would require extraordinary circumstances. Without large-scale protests or a strategic alignment of foreign and domestic power centers, Gyanendra’s ambitions are unlikely to materialize.

In the meantime, the former king’s activism—his public appeals, regional tours, and enigmatic statements—will continue to ignite debate. Whether these efforts signify a genuine bid for power or a symbolic effort to remain relevant, Gyanendra’s role in Nepal’s political narrative is far from over. As the nation grapples with uncertainty, the monarchy’s specter looms large over a populace yearning for leadership and clarity in these tumultuous times.