Nepal is facing a new wave of political unrest as pro-monarchy protests continue to gather strength in the Himalayan republic. On April 8, 2025, thousands gathered in Kathmandu, demanding the return of former King Gyanendra Shah and the restoration of the Hindu monarchy. The rallies reflect growing public dissatisfaction with Nepal’s Left-dominated governments, which have struggled to deliver stability, services, and economic growth since the monarchy ended in 2008. As tensions rise, authorities in Kathmandu and neighboring India are closely watching the developments.
Rising Protests Across Nepal
Protests Gain Momentum
The current wave of protests began on March 9, 2025, when around 10,000 supporters welcomed King Gyanendra at Tribhuvan International Airport. Inspired by his earlier statement on February 18, Nepal’s Democracy Day, where he hinted at returning to politics, crowds shouted slogans like “Come Back King, Save Nepal!” and “Restore the Monarchy!”
Demonstrations grew larger, peaking on March 28, 2025, when thousands marched through Kathmandu. The protest turned violent as crowds clashed with police, vandalized government vehicles, and damaged properties, including media offices and party buildings.
Casualties and Arrests
According to Kathmandu police, at least three people died in a fire during the violence. Over 125 people, including 75 security officers, were injured. Police used batons, water cannons, and tear gas to control the unrest. Authorities arrested more than 130 protesters for their suspected involvement in arson and vandalism. An evening curfew was later imposed in parts of the capital.
Among the victims was journalist Suresh Rajak (35), who was covering the protests. His death sparked widespread condemnation. The Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ) staged protests, demanding justice and compensation for Rajak’s family, while the Press Emblem Campaign (PEC), a global media safety body based in Geneva, also called for a fair investigation.
Why Are People Protesting?
Frustration With the Government
Since Nepal abolished its 240-year-old monarchy in 2008, no government has completed a full five-year term. The country has seen frequent leadership changes, rising prices, corruption, and poor services. Many citizens feel that politicians, both in power and opposition, focus on personal gain rather than public welfare.
The 2022 general election failed to produce a clear majority. Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli, leader of the Communist Party of Nepal (UML), now heads a shaky coalition with support from the Nepali Congress. The first republican prime minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’, now leads the opposition, opposing the return of the monarchy.
Monarchists Want 1990 Constitution
Protesters demand replacing Nepal’s 2015 Republican Constitution with the 1990 Constitution, which preserved the monarchy. Many royalists believe the monarchy represents stability, unity, and national pride. The Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) has actively supported these protests, calling the 2008 abolition of the monarchy unjust.
Tensions With India and China
Cross-Border Links
Nepal shares a 1,850-kilometre border with India, including areas with large Nepali-speaking populations in Assam, Sikkim, West Bengal, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh. On April 11, 2025, a royalist leader was arrested in Guwahati and sent back to Nepal, though official records claim he was picked up near Jhapa district to avoid legal issues, as Nepal and India lack an extradition treaty.
Prime Minister Oli has accused Indian leaders, particularly Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, a known Hindu nationalist, of supporting Nepal’s royalist movement. Adityanath, who has longstanding ties with Gyanendra Shah, reportedly hosted him during multiple visits to Lucknow.
International Reactions
While India and China both have economic and political interests in Nepal, both governments are closely monitoring the situation. Historically, Nepal’s monarchy leaned towards China during the reigns of King Mahendra, King Birendra, and King Gyanendra. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during a recent meeting with Nepal’s leadership at the BIMSTEC summit in Bangkok on April 4, expressed India’s commitment to supporting a democratic Nepal.
The Debate Over Monarchy’s Return
Public Opinion Divided
Although many Nepalese still see the monarchy as a symbol of tradition, a growing section of the population believes that fully restoring royal rule is outdated. Some, however, suggest Gyanendra Shah could return in a ceremonial role as a unifying national figure, while maintaining the republic’s democratic system.
Royalist supporters claim that since King Birendra’s assassination in 2001, followed by Gyanendra’s controversial rule and the 2006 Maoist revolution, Nepal has struggled with instability. Public frustration over political mismanagement, inflation, unemployment, and religious identity issues has fueled the ongoing movement.
Government Response
Crackdowns and Restrictions
The government recently cut security personnel assigned to Gyanendra Shah from 25 to 15 and is reportedly considering canceling his passport to restrict his movements. Authorities also fined him NPR 793,000 for damages caused during the protests.
Opposition leaders like Prachanda have warned against any attempts to reverse republican reforms, accusing royalist forces of conspiring with foreign allies. The Nepali Congress leader Sher Bahadur Deuba echoed these concerns.
Nepal’s ongoing unrest signals deep public dissatisfaction with the country’s political instability, economic woes, and identity debates. As protests gain momentum, the government faces mounting pressure to address public grievances and open talks with dissenters. Whether Nepal will see a symbolic return of monarchy or a stronger republican commitment remains to be seen.
