Gyanendra's Bhutan Visit Sparks Controversy and Speculation Over Nepal's Monarchical Future

Rajesh Sharma, KalimNews, Jaigaon, October 7, 2024 – Former King of Nepal, Gyanendra Bir Bikram Shah, has concluded a four-day visit to Bhutan, and returned to Kathmandu on October 6. The visit has ignited intense political speculation within Nepal, with major political parties interpreting it as a potential move to restore a form of constitutional monarchy in the country.

Officially termed a private visit, Gyanendra was invited by King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck of Bhutan. Accompanying the former king were his family members, including his wife, Komal Shah, daughter-in-law Himani Shah, and granddaughters. They arrived in Bhutan on October 3, 2024, and their return has left many questioning the visit's implications for Nepal's political landscape.

Concerns have been raised by prominent Nepali leaders, including Min Bahadur Vishwakarma of the Nepali Congress and Dev Gurung, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist). Vishwakarma stated, "This visit is not ordinary. It has a hidden agenda," while Gurung referred to it as a "conspiracy against democracy." Both leaders fear that Gyanendra's trip might signal a step towards reinstating the monarchy, which was abolished in 2006 when Nepal transitioned to a federal democratic republic.

This visit is particularly notable as it marks the first formal invitation extended to a member of Nepal’s former royal family by Bhutan since the abolition of the monarchy in Nepal. Political observers are curious about the potential implications for the Nepali community residing in Bhutan, wondering if King Jigme Khesar will take steps to enhance their welfare in light of Gyanendra’s visit.

The former king's royal treatment during his stay has further fueled speculation regarding bilateral relations between the two nations. The Bhutanese government has maintained that the visit was a private affair, yet the lavish hospitality extended to Gyanendra raises questions about the underlying diplomatic dynamics.

Since the fall of the monarchy in Nepal, the former royal family has generally adopted a low profile, with infrequent public appearances and visits to countries like India. This trip to Bhutan, however, has stirred public interest and debate, reflecting a broader anxiety regarding the potential resurgence of monarchical sentiments in a country that has embraced democratic governance for nearly two decades.

As political parties in Nepal grapple with the implications of this visit, many citizens remain alert to any shifts in the national dialogue about governance and the role of monarchy in contemporary Nepalese society. The future of Nepal's political structure hangs in a delicate balance, and Gyanendra's visit may well be a pivotal chapter in this ongoing narrative.