The recent decision of Nepal ’s Supreme Court outlawing the Royal Commission for Corruption Control or RCCC has, for the first time in Nepal ’s history, initiated a trend that must be nipped in the bud if Nepal ’s revered institution of monarchy is to avoid any further
lesse majesty. If not arrested immediately, this trend is apt to erode the sanctity of the institution which might adversely affect the solidarity, even the sovereignty of the nation. Indeed, nations can and do survive even if the people of a country decide to do away with their monarchy. But, monarchy cannot survive without the support of its overwhelming people. Even though a very small country, it is a great misfortune on Nepal ’s part that she has not been able to produce even one political leader who could lead the country by commanding the loyalty and support of a considerable section of her people. The twelve year rule of the country by the democratic leaders has totally exposed them to the people and they have lost all the trust and confidence of the poor Nepalis, creating a political vacuum. The Maoists could have become a deserving replacement had they not resorted to violence and vandalism taking the country to the brink of disaster. This has turned them from heroes to villains. Moreover, their extreme political ideology would never make them acceptable to the powers that rule the world. And a small and poor country like Nepal cannot even think of defying the world powers, neither her giant neighbors. As such, the monarchy should have been able to use the fragile situation to strengthen its hold on the people through people oriented policies and behavior. Besides, Nepal ’s diverse ethnic structure has greatly facilitated the difficult job of the monarchy, as it is the one and only force that can still bring the various Nepali communities into a strong bond of unified nationhood, indirectly empowering the King to lead the nation. Since the concept of autocratic monarchy has undergone a revolutionary change, giving way to a constitutional one, our Kings also have to accommodate themselves to the new concept. History is witness Kings cannot deviate from their changed role and lose the trust and confidence of their people. Even the ancient Hindu epics, Ramayana and Mahabharata, teach us how cronyism and sycophancy lead to total annihilation of flourishing dynasties and consequently must be avoided at all costs. Failure to learn the lessons of history must be adduced to the unavoidable eventuality decreed by destiny.
King Gyanendra has repeatedly committed himself to abide by the constitution and stay a constitutional monarch. If he took over the reins of government in his own hand a year ago, it must have been dictated by the circumstances prevailing in the country at that time. Maybe he had no option to save the country from going to utter chaos. But the performance of the government in the crucial interregnum could not come up to people’s expectations. Since it is supposed to be the King’s government under his own stewardship, he cannot shirk taking the responsibility upon himself. And this could hurt his personal image which must not be permitted under any circumstance. The international brou-ha-ha pressurizing the King to start a dialogue with the agitating parties is a clear reflection of the inability of Nepal ’s diplomats to defend their government’s policies. Consequently, King Gyanendra must lose no time in giving serious consideration upon his next moves. Because smaller countries like ours cannot swallow any kind of isolation. We must be able to reassure our friends and well wishers that their apprehensions are misplaced. In the total absence of honest, dedicated and patriotic political leadership, it becomes the foremost duty of the illuminated intelligentsia to guard the simple and innocent people from being misled and misdirected. Especially during such stressful times when the country’s solidarity is at stake, all patriotic forces must join hands to pull the country out of fire. As such, in the present political atmosphere, it is only the monarch that can play the decisive role and rescue the nation. We do trust King Gyanendra is fully aware of his responsibility and will not hesitate to take any steps, even though most unpleasant, in the overall interest of the nation. After all, he must have realized by now that the Supreme Court decision was the direct sequel to the erroneous advice tendered by such sycophants and it is time they must be relegated to places they deserve.
