Active Monarchy?

- Niraj Aryal

In 1990, the people witnessed two époque making events: the failure of 30 yearlong panchayati system under the active role of the monarchy and the restoration of democracy in the Kingdom. Probably the first and the last moment of happiness in the politics of Nepal to follow.

It was to be pursued by the wrangling demonstrated by the political parties that sucked the blood out of the system. At the end came the famous Deuba mis-adventure of dissolving the parliament, a special case of in-competency exhibited by an elected prime minister in a democratic setup. He had followed his mentor G.P Koirala. But one step further to G.P, Deuba with full power in his hand went to the palace and came back empty handed. People then had witnessed the sucking of last drop of blood left in the system. Thus the end to the system. Here the King is not to be blamed.

Then came the King’s October 4 move throwing out Deuba and in the process labeling him as the first ever-incompetent prime minister.

Then after two of the King appointed prime ministers in series with panchayati background came and disappeared. It appeared that the King too preferred prime ministers with Panchayati background. Could be a conjecture or a fact.

Taking another track the King then amid chaos and disorder nominated once labeled as incompetent Deuba as the prime minister again. Deuba is no more a people’s choice, exercised and appointed in the manner practiced during old panchayati days. Deuba remains a mere prime minister sans people’s backing.

Here, it is worth remembering that in the history of Nepal as a nation state from King Prithivi Naryan to the King Gyanendra, the people have lived under the active monarchy with exception of 10-15 years of democratic setup under the constitutional monarchy.

Now keeping aside to all the political dirty games, at a time of chaos and disorder a few advocates (The Kathmandu Post, December, 7, 2004) of active monarchy are chanting slogans of empowering the King once again to solve the current stalemate. Thus dragging the constitutional monarchy into the current pandemonium.

Worth remembering would be, these are the peoples who during good old panchayati days enjoyed the royal contacts and used it to the best for their personal benefits.

Panchayat, the late King Mahendra’s creation, in itself was not bad but these faces, who again claim themselves as the advocates of the active monarchy are to be held responsible for its fall as well.

To the division in the RPP, displayed till date as triggered by the march to become close to the palace is sure to drag the palace to its dirty political game.

The Maoists on the other hand rejecting talks with the government and proposing talks with the king is hell bent on to prove that still power lies with the King.

In the Deuba cabinet, the UML ministers exhibiting their double standard by objecting the Rajparishad convention urged the PM to take up the issue to the King but Deuba remained silent.

All in all, these dubious activities exhibited by the leaders and the political parties are sure to hit the royal palace hard and drag the institution to the current stalemate, which is not what is needed. The King must not listen to the suggestions that provoke him to go out of the bounds of the democratic constitution but instead should concentrate efforts on to solve the present crisis democratically enjoying confidence of all the major political actors of the country.

Headline | Opinion | National |  5 Question  | Editorial | Letter | 2nd Impression | Views | International | Past