Nepal’s political crossroads: former maoist guerrilla leads push for monarchy’s return

A dramatic shift is unfolding in Nepal‘s political landscape as pro-monarchy protests gain momentum, challenging the country’s republican system. Kathmandu‘s streets have become the epicenter of a movement that, if successful, could reverse a pivotal moment in Nepal’s modern history—the abolition of the monarchy in 2008. The movement’s most surprising figurehead is Durga Prasai, a former Maoist guerrilla-turned-royalist, now leading calls for the reinstatement of King Gyanendra Shah and the restoration of Nepal as a Hindu kingdom.

The growing demand for monarchy’s return has sparked intense debate. Nepal’s transition to a federal democratic republic was championed by Maoist forces, backed by widespread public support for change. However, nearly two decades later, political instability, economic challenges, and allegations of widespread corruption have left many disillusioned with the current system. Now, figures like Prasai are voicing frustration over the failures of Nepal’s governance, reigniting nostalgia for the monarchy as a perceived solution to the country’s troubles.

What led to Nepal abolishing the monarchy?

Nepal’s monarchy, which lasted for over two centuries, came to an end following a decade-long Maoist insurgency that claimed more than 16,000 lives. The armed conflict, led by the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist), was aimed at overthrowing the monarchy and establishing a communist republic. The insurgency gained momentum due to widespread grievances against Nepal’s socio-economic inequalities and the royal family’s perceived detachment from public concerns.

The situation escalated in 2001 with the infamous Narayanhiti Palace massacre, in which Crown Prince Dipendra allegedly killed King Birendra and most of the royal family before taking his own life. His uncle, Gyanendra Shah, ascended the throne but soon faced mass protests due to his controversial attempt to rule by decree. His decision to dissolve parliament in 2005 and impose direct rule deepened public resentment. By 2006, under mounting domestic and international pressure, King Gyanendra was forced to restore democracy, paving the way for the Comprehensive Peace Accord that formally ended the Maoist insurgency.

In 2008, Nepal’s Constituent Assembly voted overwhelmingly to abolish the monarchy, transforming the country into a secular federal republic. King Gyanendra left the Narayanhiti Palace and retreated from public life, but the idea of monarchy never fully disappeared from Nepal’s political discourse.

Why is there growing support for monarchy’s return?

Since the monarchy’s abolition, Nepal has struggled with political instability. In the past 17 years, the country has seen 13 different governments, with frequent changes in leadership across major parties, including the Nepali Congress and the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist). The constant power struggles and lack of long-term policy continuity have contributed to economic stagnation, rising unemployment, and a deepening public mistrust of politicians.

Corruption scandals have further eroded faith in the republican system. Many citizens who once supported democracy now believe that the monarchy, despite its historical shortcomings, provided a sense of stability and national identity. Pro-monarchy sentiments are particularly strong among older generations and conservative groups advocating for Nepal to reclaim its identity as a Hindu kingdom.

The frustration has manifested in large-scale demonstrations. Protesters waving national flags and chanting slogans like “Come back king, save the country!” have become a common sight in Kathmandu. The return of former King Gyanendra to the capital after a two-month absence was met with massive crowds, signaling the movement’s growing traction.

Who is Durga Prasai, and why is he leading the movement?

Durga Prasai’s journey from Maoist insurgent to royalist leader is emblematic of Nepal’s shifting political currents. Once a key figure in the Maoist movement, Prasai played an instrumental role in the insurgency, providing refuge to Maoist fighters and working alongside leaders such as Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda.’ After the war ended, he aligned himself with Nepal’s mainstream communist parties, including the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist), led by former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli.

However, in 2022, Prasai was expelled from the UML after failing to secure an election ticket. Disillusioned with the established political order, he began openly criticizing Nepal’s democratic system, calling it a failure. His speeches, shared widely on social media, have resonated with a significant segment of the population who feel let down by the current leadership. His dramatic ideological transformation has turned him into a polarizing figure—praised by monarchists and conservative groups, while fiercely opposed by the political establishment.

Prasai has taken an increasingly militant stance, publicly calling for the removal of the current government and the restoration of the monarchy. His fiery rhetoric has escalated tensions, leading to crackdowns by security forces. Authorities have labeled him a national security threat, with reports indicating that he is actively being pursued for inciting violence.

How has the Nepalese government responded?

The Nepalese government has taken a firm stance against the pro-monarchy movement, with Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli condemning the protests and accusing former King Gyanendra Shah of stirring political unrest. Security forces have been deployed in Kathmandu and other major cities to contain demonstrations.

The protests took a violent turn on March 28, 2025, when clashes between demonstrators and police resulted in two deaths and over a hundred injuries. Authorities imposed a curfew and arrested dozens of pro-monarchy leaders, signaling a broader crackdown on the movement. Despite these measures, fresh demonstrations have continued, underscoring the deep-rooted frustrations fueling the unrest.

Could Nepal realistically return to monarchy?

While the pro-monarchy movement has gained visibility, the likelihood of Nepal formally reinstating the monarchy remains uncertain. The country’s constitution, ratified in 2015, firmly establishes Nepal as a secular republic. Any move to reinstate the monarchy would require significant constitutional amendments and broad political consensus—an unlikely scenario given the dominance of republican parties in parliament.

Moreover, while public dissatisfaction with the current system is evident, it remains unclear whether there is enough widespread support to overturn the constitutional framework. Many citizens acknowledge the failures of Nepal’s political system but remain hesitant about reviving a monarchy that was historically criticized for being autocratic and unaccountable.

What’s next for Nepal’s political landscape?

The resurgence of monarchist sentiment is a symptom of deeper structural issues within Nepal’s governance. The cycle of political instability, economic hardship, and corruption has led to growing public disillusionment, creating a climate where alternative political ideologies—such as a return to monarchy—gain traction.

Whether the monarchy is reinstated or not, the movement’s rise has sent a strong message to Nepal’s political class. There is a clear demand for stability, accountability, and effective leadership—issues that the country’s democratic institutions must urgently address. If current leaders fail to respond to these concerns, the push for radical political change, whether in the form of monarchy or another alternative, will only grow stronger.

As Nepal stands at this crossroads, the coming months will be critical in shaping its political trajectory. The government’s ability to restore public confidence in democracy will determine whether the monarchy remains a historical relic or stages an unlikely comeback in the 21st century.