NATIONAL 1 (Spotlight Weekly)]

Anchor Of Stability

The crown is vital to Nepal’s political stability, a fact the early days of King Gyanendra’s reign have amply underscored

By KESHAB POUDEL

Although the institution of monarchy has suffered a major setback after the death of the immediate family of King Birendra on the fateful night of June 1, 2001, the first few weeks of King Gyanendra’s reign have shown the new monarch’s mature leadership skills.

Experienced and efficient, King Gyanendra has a major responsibility in stabilizing Nepal and the institution of monarchy, which has earned a special place in the hearts of the Nepalese people. In his first major decision, the nomination of three members to the upper house, King Gyanendra has provided a glimpse of how he intends to uphold the finest traditions of the Shah dynasty. By nominating prominent, respected and non-controversial figures to the National Assembly, King Gyanendra has proved that he is in touch with the pulse of the people.

King Gyanendra : Simbol of unity

King Gyanendra nominated Dr. Roop Jyoti, Yankela Sherpa and Dipt Prakash Shaha to the upper house. All three are known for their competence in their respective fields and represent different ethnic groups.

At a time when King Gyanendra is making efforts to instil a sense of political stability in the country, a section within the ruling Nepali Congress and some outside forces are toeing the line advanced by the republican Maoists to destabilize the monarchy.

The monarchy and the Royal Nepalese Army have played a crucial role in the unification of Nepal and in protecting national independence in difficult times of history. "The ethnic and other stability of Nepal cannot remain intact without the institution of monarchy," says historian Dr. Tulsi Ram Vaidya. "This fact and importance of monarchical institution have been well understood by all powerful external and internal forces in the course of history."

The institution of monarchy has seen such kings as Rana Bahadur Shah and Rajendra Bikram Shah who had to navigate through highly turbulent times. Monarchs like Mahendra and Birendra established themselves as competent and efficient leaders at crucial moments of modern history. The defining feature of the institution has always been a dynamism that has injected a sense of stability among the people. Even in the aftermath of such a major tragedy in the royal palace, the monarchy has played a leading role in restoring normalcy to the country.

"The monarchy has often played the role of a safety valve of society against the threat of imperialism and native radicalism without being socially conservative in its ideology. This is the reason social change in Nepal often occurred in a spiral manner. Yet, the geniuses of monarchs are full of dramatic contrast based on the individual personality of kings: some were powerful and assertive, while others were mere figureheads. Quite a few of them were captive of local aristocracy and some even upheld an image of constitutional monarch," says Dev Raj Dahal, professor of political science at Tribhuvan University.

The weakening of the monarchy would serve nobody’s interest. The faction-ridden political parties, which have just a five-decade history cannot match the contributions of the monarchy. If the monarchy collapses, no one can prevent the instability that will spill over across the border.

"Who can act as a conscience-keeper of the nation when the institution of monarchy is drastically weakened by an ordeal as the present one while national political parties and elite are sharply divided along geo-political lines lacking an anchor and purposive direction?" asks Dahal.

Unlike other parts of the region, the monarchy remains an immense source of inspiration to the different ethnic groups of Nepal. "The institution of monarchy has history of continuity and wide acceptability in Nepal. This is the reason why, in all kinds of situation, the institution injects a sense of stability," says Dr. Vaidya.

There is no reason why responsible leaders of major political parties committed to constitutional monarchy and multiparty democracy to destabilize an institution that has such a long and illustrious history. Instead of indulging in petty politics, this is the time politicians should be backing up their professed commitment to the nation by supporting the consolidation of the monarchy.