By Shashi P.B.B. Malla
The above was the very relevant question posed by letter writer Priya Thapa in her rebuttal of the contentious article “The Rise of Rajabadis” by Narayan Manandhar in Republica.
Priya Thapa’s very cogent, very logical refutation – far better than so many ‘learned’ commentaries by academics and seasoned newspaper analysts and pundits – makes the solid case that “monarchy was never fairly abolished, and that a genuine people’s mandate was never sought – hence their [the diehard Republicans’] fear of a referendum.”
She hit the nail on the head by noting that the formal decision to abolish the hallowed institution of monarchy entirely was never put to a general public vote.
Instead, it was made by a Constituent Assembly [in itself casting doubt on the legal, political and societal validity of the process itself], composed of political representatives who feared a referendum would highlight the monarchy’s enduring popularity.
Moreover, how could a decision made by representatives – many of whom later failed miserably to deliver basic good governance – be consider a people’s mandate? – challenges Priya Thapa.
Questionable Arguments
There have been contentious, unconvincing and dubious reasons put forward for rejecting the restoration of monarchy.
The most unsavoury was from none other than Maoist Don, Pushpa Kamal Dahal, who stooped so low as to assert that a man accused of regicide and fratricide could not become king!
Then there are the bogus and phoney astrological/tantric connection of the House of Gorkha and the supposed prophecy/curse by the sage Gorakhnath limiting the lineage to 11 generations.
Just as implausible is the false historical analogy that no one in world history has been anointed king three times.
Well, H.M. King Gyanendra is poised to prove all these cynics and scoffers absolutely wrong!
Nothing can now save the utterly rotten Himalayan Republic. Like the phoenix, the Himalayan Kingdom with Hindu Monarch will be resurrected – but with new vigour and new direction.
The Way Forward
The leadership of the movement for the restoration of Constitutional Monarchy definitely lies with the Rashtriya Prajatantra Party (RPP).
Its organizational skills were manifest at the overwhelming reception of former king H.M. Gyanendra at the airport and his spectacular procession to Nirmal Niwas, his residence.
The leaders of the movement must leave no stone unturned to retain the momentum of enthusiasm among the vast mass of supporters.
The critical mass of support is the sine qua non for the success of future peaceful street protests and demonstrations.
The anti-national and anti-social elements are already hatching conspiracies to derail the non-violent movement.
It is useless to engage in debate or negotiation with the Dons of the so-called mainstream political parties – a leopard can’t change its spots.
It is essential that the RPP inform the vast majority of Nepalese — all potential supporters of the Hindu State and Constitutional Monarchy – about their activities to bring about fruitful change and the fulfilment of their aspirations – on a regular basis.
The immanent possibility of regime change, and the hope of a better future must be kept alive.
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