Nepal’s last king says abolition of monarchy ‘hypothetical’

Challenging the verdict of elected Constituent Assembly (CA) that abolished 237-year old institution of monarchy two years ago, former King Gyanendra Shah on Wednesday said that abolition of monarchy in Nepal was just ‘hypothetical’ talk.

The remark of the last monarch in Nepal comes just four days after the demise of veteran leader Girija Prasad Koirala, who declared Nepal a democratic republic, on May 28, 2008.

“I do not think the monarchy has come to an end. This is just hypothetical talks,” he said. “If we turn over the pages of history the process of going up and down and in and out keep taking place.”

The former monarch indicated that the monarchy could make a come back in the Himalayan nation. “People’s verdict is important in all matters be it monarchy or other issues of national importance,” he said. “All should give recognition to people’s desire.”

The first meeting of the historic Constituent Assembly held on May 28, 2008 declared Nepal a federal democratic republic. Over 98 percent of the CA members had voted in favor of republic.

In an exclusive interview with local television channel, the former monarch also said there should be reconsideration whether to abolish the monarchy that helped unite people from all parts of the country right since the day of its unification.

Shah, however, made clear that he had not engaged in any activities to revive the institution of monarchy. “If that was the case at all, I would have done many things long ago,” he said, adding: “We have neither that wish nor any such intention.”

All major political parties have denounced the former king's remarks.
They have also suggested the former monarch to stop day dreaming about reviving monarchy.

- Asian Tribune -