Massive Posters of Yogi Adityanath Appear at Pro-Monarchist Rally in Kathmandu
A recent pro-monarchist rally in Nepal has taken an unexpected twist, drawing international attention. Organized in Kathmandu on March 10 to welcome Nepal’s former king, Gyanendra Shah, the rally prominently featured massive images of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. This development has ignited a heated political debate, with various factions questioning the motives behind the display of Adityanath’s posters.
Why Were Yogi Adityanath’s Images Displayed?
- Adityanath’s Pro-Monarchy Stance: The Indian leader has previously voiced his support for Nepal’s monarchy. Some Nepalese pro-monarchists view his stance as a sign that India is keeping a close watch on Nepal’s political landscape.
- Past Meeting With Gyanendra Shah: In January 2025, Nepal’s former king met with Adityanath during a visit to Uttar Pradesh, further fueling speculation about India’s role in Nepal’s internal affairs.
- Political Symbolism: Many demonstrators, including members of the pro-monarchist Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP), chanted slogans supporting the former king while holding up photographs of Adityanath alongside Gyanendra Shah.
Backlash and Political Accusations
While some social media users celebrated Adityanath’s inclusion in the rally, others sharply criticized it. Political factions in Nepal, particularly those opposing the monarchy, raised concerns over the symbolic message it sent. The controversy deepened after RPP spokesperson Gyanendra Shahi alleged that the display of Adityanath’s images was a deliberate attempt to tarnish the pro-monarchist movement.
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- Shahi claimed that Nepal’s Prime Minister KP Oli’s chief advisor, Bishnu Rimal, orchestrated the move to discredit monarchist supporters.
- Rimal, however, refuted these allegations, calling them baseless.
Rising Monarchist Sentiments in Nepal
- Nepal abolished its monarchy in 2008 following the People’s Movement, transitioning into a federal democratic republic.
- However, recent years have witnessed growing support for the reinstatement of the monarchy, with rallies taking place in Kathmandu, Pokhara, and other major cities.
- Pro-monarchist supporters argue that Nepal’s monarchy provided stability, while critics believe it is a step backward for democracy.
What Does This Mean for India-Nepal Relations?
The presence of Adityanath’s images at a Nepalese rally has raised diplomatic and geopolitical questions. India and Nepal share deep historical, cultural, and religious ties, and any political development in Nepal often has ripple effects across the border. Analysts believe that while India officially maintains a neutral stance on Nepal’s monarchy, the perception of Indian influence could impact future diplomatic relations.
