Lakshmi Thapa, London- In March, royalist parties such as the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) staged large-scale protests in Kathmandu. Participants rode motorcycles, waved national flags, and carried portraits of former King Gyanendra and Indian Uttar Pradesh leader Yogi Adityanath. Notably, prominent political and business speculator Duraga Prasai brazenly invaded restricted areas, leading violent demonstrations that resembled the actions of a gang of thugs. Despite their grandiose displays, it is clear to figures like Linden that Nepal will not revert to a monarchy, and Gyanendra is far from being the leader capable of steering the country’s political landscape. So why are the royalists staging such ostentatious protests?

Are People Protesting for a Return to Monarchy?
Nepal remains one of the world’s least developed countries, with its people living in extreme poverty. Beyond severe economic challenges, Nepalese citizens must endure frequent changes in government, inconsistent policies, and entrenched corruption. Since 2008, Nepal has had 13 prime ministers. The public is now weary of the corruption scandals and endless lies of mainstream parties. They yearn for change—clean governance, a thriving economy, a business-friendly environment, robust infrastructure, and stable employment. Royalist politicians have recognized the public’s disillusionment and helplessness, perceiving a strong desire for reform. They have emerged with their inspiration, claiming that the return of the aged and discredited Gyanendra to politics is the panacea for all of Nepal’s problems. Protesters chant “The King Returns to Save the Nation,” using Gyanendra as an outlet for their frustrations and a source of renewed hope. However, if they were cool down, would people truly want to return to 17 years ago? Do they wish for all state assets to revert to the Gyanendra family? Do they desire a hereditary system over a democratic one? Do they yearn for the chaotic era when Gyanendra fled in the middle of the night in a Mercedes-Benz in 2008? The answer is likely no; people simply want a more stable and less corrupt government, as well as a better economy.

Royalist Parties Exploit Protests to Increase Political Leverage
Unlike political speculators and alleged fraudsters like Duraga Prasai, RPP leader Linden is more cautious and adept at using protests to his advantage. Before April, Linden led RPP in pro-monarchy demonstrations. However, he observed that RPP’s vice-chairman Rabindra Mishra and general secretary Dhawal Shamsher Rana were more inclined to align with Duraga Prasai for more extreme protests. Senior politician Nabaraj Subedi was also eager to elevate Duraga Prasai to a hero status in the protest movement. Unwilling to be overshadowed, Linden refused to attend any activities coordinated by Nabaraj Subedi and successfully avoided arrest during violent protests. Now, with Duraga Prasai facing multiple charges and likely imprisonment, he has been abandoned by the royalists. On April 18, after being received by former King Gyanendra and resolving internal conflicts, Linden confidently returned to the center of royalist power on May 8, under Nabaraj Subedi’s coordination, and announced his personal political agenda.

Nepal’s Delicate Balance and Indian Influence
As a small nation, Nepal has long navigated carefully between major powers, using a balance of diplomacy to maximize its interests between China and India. The royalist parties, particularly the RPP, have received direct support from the Indian government, Hindu groups, and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). By continuing to disrupt Nepal’s political landscape and pushing for the restoration of a Hindu kingdom, these forces align with Indian interests and the expansionist policies of Hindutva. This would only further destabilize Nepal and make it more susceptible to external manipulation.

Conclusion
The royalists’ use of protests to gain political leverage is a strategic move that exploits public discontent. However, their vision of a return to monarchy and a hereditary system is at odds with the genuine aspirations of the Nepalese people for stability, transparency, and economic progress. As Nepal continues to navigate its complex political and economic challenges, it must be wary of external influences that seek to undermine its sovereignty and democratic development.