Monarchy’s popularity amid instability

The leading contemporary parties can be blamed for elevating Gyanendra’s popularity.

Never since the abolition of Nepal’s monarchy in May 2008 has the institution been as much a topic of interest and discussion as it has in recent months. Former King Gyanendra’s recent trip to India to attend the Kumbh Mela and the concurrent meetings with Indian political leaders has been viewed by the media, political analysts and leaders as potentially meaningful. This is not the first time such visits have taken place. But this one comes when one after another corruption scandal is hitting the headlines, and the public distrust in government is high. Right here and now, should a referendum take place, the majority would probably vote for a constitutional monarchy to make a comeback.