Nepali Congress (NC) President and former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba has firmly stated that the return of monarchy in Nepal is impossible. Addressing a training program organized by the Nepali Congress Bagmati Province Committee on Sunday, Deuba dismissed the recent activities of pro-monarchists, asserting that former King Gyanendra Shah does not have the stature to be a constitutional monarch.
No Role for Monarchy in Nepal’s Political Future
Speaking at the event, Deuba remarked, “There is no possibility of the return of monarchy in Nepal. Gyanendra is not even someone who can be considered for a constitutional monarchy. Instead, the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) may as well make him their party president.”
His comments come at a time when certain factions have been calling for the reinstatement of monarchy. However, Deuba emphasized that Nepal’s political future lies firmly within the republican framework established after the abolition of the monarchy in 2008.
Suggestion for Gyanendra Shah: Form a Political Party
Deuba suggested that if Gyanendra Shah is interested in politics, he should consider forming a political party rather than attempting to regain the throne. “Better open a party if you really want to do politics! But those who join that party will suffer a lot,” he warned, urging NC leaders and cadres to stand united in support of Nepal’s federal democratic republic.
His statement reinforces the NC’s long-standing commitment to Nepal’s democratic system and its opposition to any form of monarchical restoration.
Strong Presence of NC Leaders at the Event
The training program, presided over by NC Bagmati Province Vice-President and Training Department Chief Chandra Maharjan, was attended by key party leaders. Among them were NC Spokesperson Dr. Prakash Sharan Mahat, NC Bagmati Province President Indra Bahadur Baniya, Central Policy, Research, and Training Academy Director Dr. Krishna Prasad Poudel, Bagmati Province Treasurer Dr. Bhadra Parajuli Bhandari, and Executive Director of the Central Policy Research and Training Department Dr. Buddhiman Shrestha.
The event aimed to strengthen the party’s organizational structure and reaffirm its ideological stance in the face of rising monarchist sentiments.
Nepal’s Commitment to the Republican System
Since the abolition of the monarchy in 2008 following the end of the Maoist insurgency, Nepal has transitioned into a federal democratic republic. Despite sporadic calls for the return of the monarchy, the country’s major political parties, including the NC, have remained committed to upholding the republican system.
With the recent resurgence of pro-monarchy demonstrations, NC leaders have been vocal in dismissing these efforts as futile. Political analysts suggest that the current democratic framework enjoys broad support and that any attempt to reinstate the monarchy would face significant resistance from both political leaders and the general public.
Strengthening Nepal’s Democratic Future
Deuba’s remarks reaffirm his party’s stance that Nepal’s future lies in a democratic system, not a return to monarchy. As political debates continue, the NC remains focused on reinforcing Nepal’s democratic institutions and ensuring stability.