Monarchy In Nepal
Paramendra Bhagat
August 11, 2002
There are various reasons why the monarchy exists, and a few why it no longer ought to:
- It has historically been the most powerful institution in the country.
- To many it is one symbol of stability in the country.
- There are many Nepalis who actually do believe the King is a Vishnu Avatar! I mean, I don't. But many do. It is hard to challenge a power that is considered divine. ;-)
- An office - like that of the President in India - to safeguard the constitution.
- Many Hindu fanatics inside the country and out are all gungho about the idea the Shaha is the only Hindu king in the world.
- The Shahas are Pahadiyas. That helps perpetuate the image that Nepal is primarily a country of the Pahadiyas.
- The Shahas are the center piece of the Kathmandu elite. The Shahas, the Ranas, and the well-connected Bahun, Chhetris. And some Newars, and Marwadis.
- The army is still called the Royal Nepalese Army. There is some loyalty issue there.
Strictly speaking (4) is the only relevant political reason. And for that having a President would be at least 100 times cheaper, and a Madhesi, a woman, a SeTaMaGuRaLi could become President, which, I think, would be great.. But I don't think such a possibility can be broached now: that would be like giving in to the Maoists. On the other hand, later, if and when there is peace and prosperity, the question might not even arise. Though, I feel, even in such a scenario, the royal family ought to be limited to the King and his immediate family. The rest ought to be, in legal parlance, commoners.
August 12, 2002.
I have read all messages on this thread at this site, Sajha.com, and I am impressed by how little superstition the participants harbor. Most seem to be taking one hard look at the royal palace and seem to not like what they see. Stability, divinity, unity? Hollow emblems.
If the mood on this board were to spread in the country at-large, how do you think the change could be made? Will there be a parliamentary party/leader who will put it on its/his/her plank, and implement the change through a two-thirds vote in the Pratinidhi Sabha? Or will this possible change require a rewriting of the constitution itself? If so, how would one go about that?
Do you think this mood will spread? Now? Ever? How long before it does?
Will the change be peaceful? As in, heated debates, yes, a momentous election, yes, a tough vote in the parliament, yes, but no violence in the streets?
� 2002 Paramendra Bhagat