In a dramatic twist in Nepal’s political landscape, thousands gathered in Kathmandu on Sunday to welcome former King Gyanendra Shah, igniting fervent calls for the reinstatement of the monarchy. However, the rally took an unexpected turn when supporters were seen brandishing posters featuring Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, sparking controversy and heated debate both within Nepal and on social media.

Gyanendra’s Triumphant Return

Former King Gyanendra Shah, deposed amid massive protests in 2006 and officially ousted in 2008 when Nepal transitioned to a secular republic, made a symbolic comeback on Sunday. Over 10,000 supporters converged near the main entrance of Tribhuvan International Airport to welcome him, chanting slogans such as, “Vacate the royal palace for the king” and “Come back, king, save the country.” Many Nepalese, disillusioned by years of political instability, economic struggles, and rampant corruption, voiced their desire to restore the monarchy as a remedy for the nation’s woes.

Related News

Thir Bahadur Bhandari, a rally attendee, told the Associated Press, “We are here to give the king our full support and to rally behind him all the way to reinstating him on the royal throne.” Meanwhile, others like 50-year-old Kulraj Shrestha admitted that previous protests to abolish the monarchy had failed to deliver a stable government, prompting a shift in public sentiment.

The Yogi Adityanath Controversy

Amid the pro-monarchy fervor, an unexpected element emerged: posters of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath were prominently displayed by some rally-goers. One man, identified as Pradeep Bikram Rana, who waved these posters in Kathmandu, later fled to Gorakhpur, fearing persecution by Nepalese police. Rana claimed he idolized Adityanath as a symbol of Hindu pride, which led him to promote the Indian leader’s image at the rally.

This act has divided opinions. Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli condemned the use of foreign imagery in national protests, arguing that Nepal should not rely on external figures to guide its political discourse. Critics, including Oli’s supporters, suggested that the presence of Adityanath’s posters indicated an “India hand” behind the rally, casting doubt on its authenticity. In response, pro-monarchist supporters accused Oli’s government of orchestrating the controversy to undermine the movement.

Pro-monarchist Rastriya Prajatantra Party spokesperson Gyanendra Shahi claimed on social media that the UP CM’s photo was deliberately displayed under the instruction of Bishnu Rimal, chief advisor to Prime Minister KP Oli. Former minister Dipak Gyawali echoed similar sentiments, dismissing the need for a foreign figure in their procession.

Historical Ties and Cultural Connections

The controversy is further complicated by historical ties between Yogi Adityanath and Nepal’s erstwhile monarchy. Adityanath is associated with the Gorakhnath mutt, which has long enjoyed a close relationship with the Shah dynasty. Notably, former King Birendra once revered Mahant Avaidyanath—Adityanath’s mentor—as his spiritual guide, with Birendra even visiting the Gorakhnath Mutt in 1992.

What This Means for India-Nepal Relations

This latest incident comes at a time when India and Nepal share a long and intricate relationship, marked by both cooperation and conflict. The unexpected display of Adityanath’s image at a rally in support of Nepal’s former king has raised concerns about foreign interference and its potential to strain bilateral ties. While some Nepalese see it as a benign symbol of shared cultural heritage, others view it as an unwanted intrusion that could deepen political divides.

As Nepal continues to grapple with internal challenges and the call for a return to monarchy grows louder, the controversy over Adityanath’s posters remains a flashpoint that could impact regional dynamics and the longstanding relationship between India and Nepal.