Controversy Erupts in Nepal Over Yogi Adityanath’s Presence at Pro-Monarchist Rally
Controversy Over Display of Yogi Adityanath’s Photograph at Pro-Monarchist Rally in Nepal
A recent pro-monarchist rally in Nepal, organized to welcome former king Gyanendra Shah, sparked controversy when photographs of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath were displayed alongside Gyanendra’s image. The rally, which took place in Kathmandu, saw hundreds of loyalists, including leaders and members of the pro-monarchist Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP), expressing their support for the reinstatement of monarchy in Nepal.
Supporters on Motorbikes
As Gyanendra, aged 77, arrived at the Tribhuvan International Airport from Pokhara, supporters on motorbikes carrying his picture and national flags lined the streets outside the airport to greet him. However, the inclusion of Yogi Adityanath’s images in the rally drew criticism from various political factions and the general public on social media.
Accusations and Denials
RPP spokesperson Gyanendra Shahi accused the K P Oli-led government of orchestrating the display of Adityanath’s photograph as a deliberate attempt to discredit the pro-monarchist movement. He alleged that the instruction to include Adityanath’s image came from Bishnu Rimal, chief advisor to Prime Minister K P Oli. Rimal, on the other hand, denied these allegations, calling them disinformation spread by individuals who had reached positions of responsibility by chance.
Prime Minister Oli’s Response
Prime Minister Oli, without directly naming Yogi Adityanath, made a statement at a program in Kathmandu, saying, “We don’t use photographs of foreign leaders in our rallies.” It was reported that former king Gyanendra had met with Adityanath during a visit to Uttar Pradesh in January.
Demand for Monarchy Reinstatement
The supporters of former king Gyanendra have been actively rallying in various parts of Nepal, including Kathmandu and Pokhara, in recent days. They have been calling for the reinstatement of the monarchy, which was abolished in 2008 following the People’s Movement. The pro-monarchist movement gained momentum after Gyanendra expressed the need for national unity and responsibility to protect the country on democracy day in February.