The resurgence of royalists has alarmed the top leaders of major three political parties, of late.
The CPN (Maoist Center) has even cited this as the reason for abruptly halting its ongoing “The Maoist Center with people; Terai-Madhes Awareness Campaign.”
The campaign, which began on February 24 in Kachankawal, Jhapa, was suspended by the Maoist Center on Saturday, March 8, upon reaching Rautahat, citing increased royalist activity. The party has announced a meeting of its office bearers today.
Prior to the campaign’s suspension, Maoist Chairman Prachanda, speaking at a rally in Rautahat on Saturday, advised former King Shah to form a political party and contest elections if he desired to return to power.
“The people have generously allowed him to live peacefully instead of taking action,” warned Prachanda, a former Prime Minister. “If the king mistakes this generosity for weakness, he can form a party and contest elections. Any attempt to forcefully seize power will not be tolerated.”
Similarly, on Saturday, Nepali Congress leader and Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak, speaking at a press conference in Doti, warned former King Shah, noting that it is rare for a king overthrown by a revolution to remain in the same country.
“It is rare for a king overthrown by a revolution to remain in the same country,” he said. “Former King Gyanendra is able to live in Nepal and exercise his rights as a citizen because the country has a progressive democracy.”
Earlier, on Friday, Prime Minister and CPN (UML) Chairman KP Sharma Oli, addressing the Karnali Provincial Assembly, criticized the royalists for creating chaos.
“Some elements are trying to seize power not through the system or the constitution, but through chaos and disorder. It is unclear what system they are trying to establish. Which constitution will replace this one? Are they trying to return to the Rana regime? The Panchayat system? Where are they trying to go? Back to a despotic rule in one form or another?” he said.
Similarly, on Thursday, Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba, speaking in Mahottari, stated that there is no place for monarchy anymore.
“After seizing power, the king subjected leaders to torture, detention, and imprisonment through undemocratic acts. The republic came about because of these excesses,” he said. “The king himself is the reason for the establishment of the republic.”
Their statements indicate that the three major parties, whether in the ruling coalition or the opposition, are united against the monarchy and the former king. They will stand together to counter the growing activity of royalists.
