Nepal’s former king warns of revolt

By Anil Giri

Kathmandu, Oct 20 (IANS) Nepal's deposed king Gyanendra Shah on Thursday said politics of negativity was thriving in the Himalayan nation and warned that it will ultimately lead to a revolt.

He called upon the stakeholders to minimise the negativity and said such politics would only give rise to dissatisfaction.

Addressing the Birat Hindu Sammelan, organised by the World Hindu Federation in Kathmandu's Pashupati area, Gyanendra said: "Negating of politics would fuel discontent and it would instigate a feeling of rebellion in the oppressed lot."

This is his first public speech after Nepal abolished monarchy and became a republic in 2008.

Dozens of Hindu leaders from across the globe, including from India, are taking part in the three-day jamboree. Indian leader Yogi Adityanath of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is also taking part in the meet.

The former king left his Narayanhity royal palace in 2008 after Nepal was declared republic. Since then, he is living in the Nagarjuna Palace on the northern outskirts of Kathmandu Valley.

In his speech, he vented anger against Nepali politicians and on removal of the Hindu identity from the country. Prior to being declared a republic, Nepal was the world's only Hindu kingdom.

He said foreign intervention was increasing in Nepal and the current political situation had generated despair among the people. "The recent hopelessness has made everybody ponder over the reason behind the current state of affairs in the country."

Observing that Nepal has always been the source of inspiration for ancient traditions of Hinduism and Buddhism, the former Hindu monarch said dark clouds were hovering over the ancient traditions and culture.

He stressed upon the need for uniting and reviving the old traditions.

Asserting that religion and culture were the life force of a country, he said it was necessary to conserve them in order to save the nation's existence.

The organisers said the meet will demand that Nepal be again declared a Hindu state.

(Anil Giri can be contacted at girianil@gmail.com)