Who is Gyanendra Shah?
Gyanendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev was the last king of Nepal, ruling from 2001 to 2008. Born on July 7, 1947, Gyanendra was crowned king twice—once as a child in 1950 and later in 2001 after the tragic Nepalese royal massacre that killed King Birendra and his entire family.
How Did Gyanendra Become King?
In 2001, Gyanendra ascended the throne following the mysterious palace massacre, where Crown Prince Dipendra allegedly killed his parents and other royal family members before taking his own life. This event shocked Nepal and fueled controversy over the monarchy’s future.
Gyanendra’s Rule and the Fall of the Monarchy
Initially, Gyanendra held a constitutional role, but in 2005, he dismissed the government and took full control, citing corruption and inefficiency. However, his authoritarian rule led to mass protests in 2006, forcing him to step down. In 2008, Nepal officially abolished the monarchy and became a republic.
Why Are People Demanding the Return of the Monarchy?
Recently, Nepal has faced political instability, corruption, and economic struggles, leading some citizens to call for Gyanendra’s return. Thousands have taken to the streets, chanting pro-monarchy slogans and demanding the restoration of Nepal’s Hindu kingdom.
Will Gyanendra Shah Return as King?
While pro-monarchist movements are gaining momentum, the return of the monarchy remains uncertain. Gyanendra has not actively campaigned for power, but his growing popularity raises questions about Nepal’s political future.
Thousands of Nepalis are rallying to reinstate the monarchy and reestablish Hinduism as the state religion, reflecting growing dissatisfaction with the current political system. On March 9, 2025, over 10,000 supporters greeted former King Gyanendra Shah upon his return to Kathmandu from western Nepal. Protesters blocked the main entrance to Tribhuvan International Airport, chanting slogans like “Vacate the royal palace for the king” and “We want monarchy,” causing passengers to walk to and from the airport. Riot police prevented demonstrators from entering the airport, but the protest remained nonviolent.
The monarchy was abolished in 2008 following massive protests in 2006 against Gyanendra’s authoritarian rule, leading to a republic. Since then, Nepal has experienced political instability, with 13 different governments, leading to public frustration over corruption and a struggling economy. Some former anti-monarchy protesters have now shifted their stance, expressing disappointment with the current system and supporting the king’s return.
The Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) is at the forefront of the pro-monarchy movement, organizing rallies and mass meetings across major cities, including Kathmandu. This surge in pro-monarchy activities has left mainstream political parties, such as the Nepali Congress, the CPN-UML, and the CPN (Maoist Centre), struggling to respond. Leaders from these parties have challenged the former king to form a political party and contest elections if he believes he has public support.
Despite the growing support for the monarchy’s restoration, Gyanendra has not commented on the calls for his return to power. Analysts believe that while public dissatisfaction with the current political system is evident, the chances of an immediate return to monarchical rule remain slim.
Conclusion
The debate over Nepal’s monarchy is far from over. Whether King Gyanendra Shah returns to power or not, the increasing dissatisfaction with Nepal’s current leadership suggests that major political changes may be on the horizon.
