Full Breakdown
Support for Monarchy Grows in Nepal Ahead of Elections
2/13/2026, 10:01:06 PM
Mass Rally for Former King Gyanendra Shah
On February 13, 2026, thousands of supporters gathered outside Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu to welcome former king Gyanendra Shah, demanding the restoration of the monarchy in Nepal. The crowd, estimated to be in the thousands, chanted slogans such as “Bring back the king. We love our king more than our own selves. Restore constitutional monarchy,” as Gyanendra waved from the sunroof of his vehicle. The rally was peaceful, with no arrests reported, despite the presence of hundreds of police officers in riot gear.
Gyanendra, who was forced to relinquish his authoritarian rule in 2006 following massive protests, has lived as a commoner since the monarchy was abolished in 2008 by a special assembly dominated by former Maoist rebels. The recent rally follows a similar event last year, which attracted around 10,000 supporters but also turned violent, resulting in two deaths.
Context of Political Instability
Nepal has experienced significant political instability, with 14 changes of government in the past 18 years, leading to widespread frustration among citizens regarding the effectiveness of the republican government. Many supporters of Gyanendra believe that the monarchy could provide stability and governance that the current political leaders have failed to deliver. “We must restore the monarchy because the king can be a caring guardian of all Nepali people, something many corrupt political leaders have failed to do,” stated Sanatan Prasad Regmi, a supporter of Gyanendra.
The upcoming elections on March 5, 2026, are seen as crucial, with a group of royalists among the 65 parties contesting for the 275 seats in the assembly. Pro-Gyanendra groups secured approximately 5% of the seats in the last election, and they are hopeful for increased representation this time around.
Official Statements & Responses
While the rally showcased significant public support for Gyanendra, he has not publicly commented on the calls for the monarchy's restoration. The sentiment among supporters reflects a broader dissatisfaction with the current political landscape, particularly following anti-corruption protests that resulted in the resignation of Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli and the deaths of 77 individuals.
Criticism & Opposition
Despite the rally's peaceful nature, there are concerns regarding the feasibility of restoring the monarchy. Critics argue that the support for Gyanendra is not substantial enough to challenge the established political parties that oppose the monarchy. The political landscape remains complex, with younger leaders emerging to contest the dominance of traditional parties.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While the rally was peaceful, the potential for future unrest remains a concern, especially given the violent history of previous pro-monarchy demonstrations. The exact level of support for Gyanendra compared to other political factions is also unclear, as many citizens express frustration with the current government but may not necessarily favor a return to monarchy.
Verbatim Quotes
“Bring back the king. We love our king more than our own selves. Restore constitutional monarchy,” — Anonymous Supporter
“We must restore the monarchy because the king can be a caring guardian of all Nepali people, something many corrupt political leaders have failed to do,” — Sanatan Prasad Regmi, Gyanendra Supporter
“King, come and save the country” — Anonymous Supporter
