Nepali Times
From The Nepali Press
Guardian king, News24 Television Channel



News24: How was your visit to the districts?
Gyanendra Shah:
Wherever I went, I was overwhelmed by the reception I got from the people.

What do you have to say about demands from a section of the public to reinstate the monarchy?
In a democracy, everybody has a voice and now that it is clear such a section exists, perhaps they should also be heard. Personally, I appreciate their concern and make an effort to engage but I don't think it is right to say or do anything more at the moment.

The parties have blamed you for trying to opiate the public in the pretext of religious gatherings. How do you respond to that?
I go because I am invited by the people to participate in religious functions. What others say does not change the fact. People take time to meet me and share their problems. I don't know why they (parties) are scared, I did not call anybody because if I had you would see more people.

As a common citizen, how do you assess the present political situation in the country?
Obviously, I am not happy because the parties promised a lot but did not deliver anything. Now people are looking for a breakthrough and it is time to focus our energy towards that.

Does it mean you will be more assertive about your role in the present context or remain silent?
Our gods are also made of stones and remain silent but it does not mean they are mute spectators. When the time comes, even the stones speak up. If people want me back, I am ready to provide leadership.

You have said before that the parties have broken the deal and unfairly ousted the monarchy but have not divulged further information. Can you tell us who signed the deal and what was in it?
The seven parties had signed a three to four point deal with me in which they agreed to work as per the 1990 constitution and retain a constitutional monarchy. I kept my part of the deal by stepping down but when the seven parties became eight, they unilaterally abolished the monarchy.

Don't you think it was your fault that led to the downfall of the monarchy?
That is not true. But sometimes I feel I should have been more restrained in my approach. Things got out of hand quickly and people suffered. That was not my intention.

Should there be a referendum on whether to reinstate the monarchy?
Was there one when it was done away with? No, the monarchy should be an institution that is neutral and plays a guardian role but I do not wish to be active.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4bFdF0pXync&feature=related



1. Danny Birch
Shree Panch Maharaj Dhirajko Jai!

2. Satya Nepali
Yes monarchy should be re-instated. For many reasons. To name just one - simply to teach the political parties a lesson. There has to be a price to pay for promising much and delivering little. If not, parties will continue to act irresponsibly and that is not right. Even if only to drive this point home, monarchy should be re-instated. Clearly, if its abolishment has led to nothing good, it was abolished for no good reason. Re-instating the monarchy will prove to everyone that false promises will never be rewarded. It will teach the parties that the people are not fools. And there will be a price to pay for trying to fool us!

3. Democracy in nepal has finally been delhika laddu, literally speaking
It seems that the royal dress is too long for our King Gyanendra, simply he is not fit into it. It is pity because after observing the pathetic drama of political parties, the royal institution was the only hope to gain the lost credibility of Nepal as  an independent country amongst our neighbours. One thing is to go around under the escort of hindu activists from shiva sena but another completely different is to be the King of all those who participated and did not participate in those rallies but are desperate to get the positive result that they hope from the democracy of 21st century. He seems to be under the syndrome of RAJMOHA and this is the main cause why the monarchy couldn't be saved after being the most respectable institution inside and outside.

LATEST ISSUE
638
(11 JAN 2013 - 17 JAN 2013)


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