Fate of monarchy in Nepal

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Monday, 21 April 2008

The kings of Nepal up to Birendra Vir Vikram Shah at least, always enjoyed a very respectful obedience of their subjects. King Mahendra and his son Birendra retained that position of the 240-year old royal house. The turning point was when King Birendra, the Queen and a few others were gunned down inside the palace. And that paved the way for Gyanendra, who was not directly in line, to ascend the throne.

Many believe Gyanendra had a role in that palace massacre. Birendra was a very popular king, his demise had an impact on the Nepalese people’s respectful attitude towards the monarchy. In hindsight one can say that was possibly the beginning of the end. Now, with Maoists almost certain to form the next government following their stunning victory in the parliamentary elections, the die seems to have been finally cast. King Gyanendra’s days are numbered. Maoist leader, Bhattarai, the prime minister-in-waiting, has already served an ultimatum asking Gyanendra to quit and leave the palace within four weeks voluntarily.

The King, if he does so voluntarily, would be allowed to live a respected citizen’s life. With the King no more having control over the army or the law enforcement apparatus it is a foregone conclusion that he would bow out soon thus heralding a new dawn for the people of that Himalayan country. It will be a new experience for the Nepalese people. The newly-elected parliament has two main agenda: abolishing the monarchy and, writing a new constitution. Nepal is presently a Hindu kingdom. It is now more likely that the new constitution will proclaim Nepal a people’s republic without the religious sticker. That will bring that country in line with other countries of the region like India, Bhutan and Bangladesh. We in Bangladesh wish the people of Nepal well.

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