In a dramatic turn of events, Nepal is contemplating the revival of its monarchy, a system abolished in 2008. The nation finds itself at a political crossroads after a wave of violent youth protests toppled the government of Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Sharma Oli, leaving a power vacuum and a populace debating its future. The once-unthinkable return of the Shah dynasty, which ruled for nearly 450 years, is now being seriously discussed as a viable path forward.
The recent upheaval was driven by what demonstrators call “Generation Z,” a youth movement railing against systemic corruption and government impunity. The protests escalated into widespread rioting, resulting in the torching of the prime minister’s residence, dozens of government buildings, and the homes of wealthy elites. The chaos led to at least 72 deaths and hundreds of injuries, prompting the army to intervene, impose a curfew, and oversee a transfer of power.
To restore stability, 73-year-old Sushila Karki, a respected former Supreme Court Chief Justice, has been appointed to lead an interim government. Known for her anti-corruption stance, Karki has been tasked with the monumental challenge of organizing parliamentary elections by March. “I did not take this post because I wanted it… We will transfer power to a new government in six months,” she stated, vowing to tackle graft and establish good governance. However, with the country still reeling, her ability to enact such profound change in a short timeframe remains uncertain.
This climate of disillusionment with republican politics has created a fertile ground for monarchist sentiment. The aporo-monarchist Rastriya Prajatantra Party, led by General Secretary Dhaval Rana, is capitalizing on the moment. He argues for a “counter-revolution” to restore the king as a unifying authority figure essential for national stability. The party, whose own protests were suppressed earlier this year, sees the leaderless nature of the Gen Z rebellion as an opportunity to present the monarchy as the only coherent alternative to the revolving door of failed political parties.
Former King Gyanendra, who abdicated in 2008, has largely remained out of the political spotlight, living quietly in his palace. His reign was the final chapter of a dynasty severely damaged by a horrific 2001 palace massacre, where the crown prince killed the king and other royals before taking his own life. Yet, as frustration with the current political class boils over, Rana’s argument that the nation needs a king and the official restoration of Hinduism as the state religion is resonating with a growing segment of the population. The leaderless rebellion against corruption may have inadvertently paved the way for the return of a king.