The calculated move by King Gyanendra to take the administration of his country in his own hand about a year back has generated a volley of adverse criticisms. Since King Gyanendra and the critics both were well aware about the purpose of the criticisms, King Gyanendra not only paid no heed but obdurately stuck to his own course of action. And the critics, however powerful and mighty, could do little to force his hands lest the extremists might prevail. But King Gyanendra’s commitment to abide by the constitution and to restore the representative democratic government impelled him to announce the holding of general elections in early 2007. It must be presumed that King Gyanendra knows well that it is absolutely indisputable that a free and fair election only can restore political stability in Nepal and expose the discredited politicians and political parties. And he must also be knowing that he needs a much more competent, efficient and honest apparatus to run the administration of his country if he wants a reinvigorated, responsible and patriotic parliament. His recent reshuffling of the cabinet, we think, is only the first step in that direction by which he has tried to assure his people that he is not adverse to the genuine grievances and will not hesitate to take all necessary steps as and when demanded by the exigency of the prevailing situation. Since such actions will not only impart added credibility to his announcement of the polls but also generate greater transparency in the conduct of the general elections besides contributing to the strengthening of the institution of monarchy so very indispensable for the political stability of Nepal. King Gyanendra is expected to initiate necessary reforms in the administrative machinery without undue delay. This is also definite to play a constructive role in winning back the goodwill and support of all friends and donors. And even more important will be the restraining of the resurgence of the corrupt and unscrupulous politicians and their political parties that seem to have started to recover their lost ground. The growing disillusionment in the people against the establishment must not be permitted to take deeper roots. Extending the ceasefire by the Maoists could also be an indication of the desperation the Maoist insurgents have started experiencing due to the subtle changes in the attitude of their mentor and invisible supporter. Reading between the lines, the recent statement by the Indian Home Minister, Shiv Raj Patil, that “India has failed to contain the Maoists” may have sinister implications for the Maoist insurgents and meaningful message to HMG of Nepal. Even though belatedly, if reality has started to dawn on the Indian statesmen that pressurizing a small and severely handicapped neighbor and traditional friend could boomerang against their long-cherished ambition of becoming at least a regional super-power to reckon with, India is sure to mellow down and condescend to join hands with Nepal to crush the Maoist insurgency. Patronage of the Maoist has failed to benefit India to the desired extent even though it has wrecked havoc on Nepal and her growing embarrassment is providing a definite leverage to Nepal. If only Nepal could exploit the situation it may contribute to further soil India’s global image to the extreme detriment of India’s many-faceted ambitions. Consequently, India thought it imperative to send its Foreign Secretary, Shyam Saran, an ex-envoy of that country to Nepal, to pressurize King Gyanendra to become more flexible in his attitude towards the agitating politicians. We don’t think this visit has anything to do with the King’s visit to India which could prove to be most untimely and redundant in the present context. King Gyanendra, an astute monarch as he is, will very well see the Indian designs and act in the best interest of his country. He has a pivotal role to play which is sure to affect the destiny of Nepal at this juncture. And it must make him rise above all prejudices so that he may not falter to lead his country in the right direction.