Excerpts from an interview with Ashok Nath Tiwari, Upper House member (nominated)

Everyone is commenting on the appointment of Crown Prince Paras. Do you have something to add?
His Majesty made the decision exercising the legal and constitutional powers vested in him. The Constitution of Nepal as a constitutional monarchy and Hindu kingdom gives the king the power. It was only natural for him to make his only son, Prince Paras, crown prince. It is not necessary for anyone to keep harping on this issue.

But questions have been raised about the Crown Prince's character.
I have not noticed anything wrong with his character. All the qualities needed to be king are already showing in Crown Prince Paras. He will develop himself and grow to shoulder the responsibility he has been given. The royal palace was growing in stature, and gaining the respect and love of the people. In such a scenario, it is not surprising that people start raising a hue and cry about things. It is improper to raise questions concerning an accident. Many a time we have made minors kings in our country. So why are people bothered now when we make a grown up person crown prince? I cannot understand this.

Why was the announcement made during Dasain?
According to the Hindu religion, Dasain is very auspicious. There is nothing wrong for a king in a Hindu kingdom to announce a crown prince during Dasain.