Kathmandu: The Nepali Congress, Nepal’s ruling party, along with the opposition Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist Centre), has called for action against former King Gyanendra Shah, holding him accountable for the recent violent protests demanding the reinstatement of the monarchy. However, the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP), which supported the demonstrations, warned the government against involving the ex-king in the controversy.
The protests resulted in two deaths and left hundreds injured as security forces clashed with pro-monarchy demonstrators. The Nepali Congress, Nepal’s largest party in the House of Representatives, accused the former king of orchestrating Friday’s unrest.
“Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak briefed us on the situation. The violent attacks on media houses and public and private properties were deliberate attempts to create disorder,” Congress spokesperson Prakash Sharan Mahat stated, as reported by The Kathmandu Post. He further alleged that some forces were attempting to impose an authoritarian regime and held the ex-king responsible for the organized rallies and targeted attacks.
The Maoist Centre took an even stronger stance, with its chair, Pushpa Kamal Dahal, declaring, “We should not spare him. Gyanendra Shah no longer has the freedom to act as he pleases. The Nepali people reject this. He is behind the pro-monarchy and pro-Hindu movements across the country.”
In contrast, the RPP defended the former king, challenging the government to arrest him if they believed he was responsible. Party chair Rajendra Lingden warned, “We will not allow the king to be dragged into controversy. If the government dares to arrest him, we will respond with our full strength.” The party also threatened mass protests if their two arrested leaders, senior vice president Rabindra Mishra and General Secretary Dhawal Sumsher Rana, were not released within 24 hours.
Meanwhile, a social media campaign has emerged, demanding the former king’s arrest, with claims that he was the mastermind behind the violence.
Tensions escalated in Kathmandu as protesters attempted to breach security barricades. In response, security forces fired tear gas and later resorted to live ammunition to control the situation. Several commercial buildings, media offices, and political party headquarters were vandalized and set on fire, as reported by Annapurna Express.
Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak inspected key locations affected by the violence, including Tinkune and Koteshwor, condemning the destruction caused by the protests. “In a democratic republic, competition is natural. There is room for both the government and the opposition as per the people’s mandate. However, when the system is threatened by anarchic activities, we must stand united against them,” he asserted.
