The Nepal Weekly 
March 18, 2025
By Chiranjivi Paudel, Reader, London, UK
In February 1, 2005, King Gyanendra sacked the elected government, declared a state of emergency, and shut down all internet and media, curtailing the fundamental rights of Nepalese citizens. What was the result? The people rose against his absolute rule, and in 2008, the monarchy, which ruled the country for over 240 years was abolished, paving the way for a secular, democratic republic system. But today, democracy itself is under siege, not by kings, but by corrupt, self-serving political leaders whose narrow and short-sighted interests have led to disillusionment among the people. And interestingly, the same king Gyanendra is leading the crowd to reverse democracy.
Why is the bitterness with democracy? What happens when democracy becomes dysfunctional? When political parties prioritize personal power over public welfare? When nepotism, corruption, and misgovernance become the norm rather than the exception? The hard-fought democratic ideals of Nepal are being eroded, not by external forces, but by internal decay. Leaders once saluted as champions of the people now behave as feudal Kings, enriching themselves while ignoring the struggles of the common man. The fertile fields of Nepal remain barren, the economy is stagnating, and our youth, instead of building Nepal, are toiling in foreign lands, sending remittances that keep our economy afloat but do nothing to build long-term prosperity.
Political parties have turned democracy into loottantra—a system of organized corruption. The corruption surrounding the fraudulent exploitation of innocent people making them Bhutanese refugees seeking resettlement in the USA represents a shameful abuse of power. High-ranking political figures, along with their spouses and relatives, have been convicted, some facing arrest while others evade justice through political manoeuvring through government changes. This scandal is only one among many, tea garden mismanagement, telecom fraud, and other large-scale financial scandals continue to surface, exposing a deep-seated culture of deception and betrayal at the highest levels.
The once-sacred institutions of governance are now playgrounds of power-hungry elites. Meanwhile, foreign NGOs and missionaries, operating with hidden agendas, have influenced Nepal’s identity, steering it away from its historical and cultural roots. Was secularism truly the choice of the people, or was it imposed under foreign influence? It was neither the demand of the people nor the agenda of the political parties. These questions linger in the minds of many, fuelling the rising demand for the restoration of a Hindu kingdom. It is genuine. Being the only Hindu kingdom in the world would be a matter of great pleasure and pride for Nepal. How a small Jews nation, Israel has become able to attract Jews and other from all over the world, Nepal could do the same- attract the attention of over a billion Hindus and Buddhists, Jains and Shikhas of around the world. It could promote tourism and make a significant contribution to Nepal’s economy.
Is the call for Hindu Kingdom a genuine and legal demand? The call for a Hindu kingdom is not an arbitrary nostalgia-driven movement—it is a genuine and legal demand. Nepal was declared secular not through public consensus but under the influence of external powers and adharmik political forces. For centuries, Nepal was the world’s only Hindu kingdom, a beacon of Sanatan Dharma, a land where traditions, culture, and spirituality thrived in harmony. People of different religious background lived together in harmony for centuries in Nepal, however, after the declaration of secular state, the situation does not remain so. The idea of restoring Nepal’s Hindu identity is not about bringing back the monarchy in its absolute form but about reinstating a cultural and spiritual ethos that resonates with the majority of Nepalese citizens.
But what form should this take? Can we imagine a cultural king, a constitutional monarch, or a baby king, as some suggest? Can we look at Bhutan’s model, where the monarch upholds culture and tradition while respecting democratic governance? These are debates worth having, but the fundamental issue remains: Nepal must reclaim its roots while preserving democracy, freedom, and openness.
Nepal’s economic potential is immense, yet unrealized. Why is a country with fertile land importing food? Why is a nation rich in water resources suffering from power shortages? Why are our skilled youths labouring in the Gulf instead of contributing to Nepal’s prosperity? Because political leaders have failed. Their vision is short-sighted, their policies weak, and their commitment to the nation questionable.
In 2023, Nepal’s trade deficit reached $13 billion. We import what we should produce—rice, vegetables, fruits, dairy, even drinking water! Instead of turning Nepal into an export-driven economy, leaders have turned it into an import-dependent one.
More than 3.5 million Nepalese youth work in foreign countries. The figure could be higher than this. Why? Because there are no opportunities at home. Instead of creating jobs, our leaders chase power, leaving our fields abandoned and our industries in decline. Corruption is rampant. In the Corruption Perception Index 2023, Nepal ranked 110 out of 180 countries. Political leaders loot, bureaucrats manipulate, and the common citizen suffers.
Nepal cannot afford to be trapped in an endless cycle of political instability. Centuries of upheaval cannot be the future of this nation. Democracy must not be a system of thieves; it must be a system of hope. To achieve this, political leaders must change, or be changed.
To end corruption and nepotism, the political parties must cleanse themselves of self-serving elites. Transparency, accountability, and integrity must be the foundation of governance. They should pass the mantle to a younger generation. Fresh minds, innovative ideas, and nationalistic fervour can revitalize Nepal’s politics and economy.
It is essential to prioritize the economy; make Nepal an agricultural powerhouse again. Invest in infrastructure, support farmers, and bring back the workforce from foreign lands.
To reclaim Nepal’s cultural identity, democracy and tradition can coexist. A Hindu state does not mean a theocracy; it means preserving heritage while upholding fundamental rights.
Democracy, at its core, is about representation, rights, and reform. It is not about unchecked power or perpetual instability. Nepal needs a system that works, a system that serves, and a system that evolves. The debate over monarchy, over a Hindu kingdom, over cultural preservation must continue, but it must be grounded in democracy, freedom, and openness. The Nepalese people deserve a future where leaders prioritize the nation over themselves, where policies uplift the masses, and where governance is not about power but about service.
A former ambassador to the UK revealed that during the government’s plans to sell the embassy building at Kensington Palace Gardens in central London, King Gyanendra, through his associates, also sought a commission, alongside major political parties. This revelation deeply disillusioned many, even those who supported the monarchy in Nepal. Change is essential. If Gyanendra wishes to reinstate the monarchy, he must return with transparency, acknowledge and regret past mistakes, and assure the people that they will not be repeated. True redemption lies in sincere repentance. Instead of reclaiming the throne for himself, he should present his grandson or daughter-in-law as a symbolic head of state without political power, restoring dignity to the monarchy.
The time has come. Will our leaders rise to the occasion, or will history repeat itself? The choice is theirs, and the consequences will shape Nepal’s destiny.
