The “Joint People's Movement Committee” formed for the restoration of monarchy has announced a “People's Movement.”
Organizing a press conference in Kathmandu on Thursday, the committee's coordinator, Nawaraj Subedi, announced the launch of an indefinite “People's Movement” starting from May 29.
Subedi said that the movement, under his leadership, has the support of Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP), RPP Nepal, Rastriya Shakti Nepal, Nepali Congress (BP), Shiv Sena, and other forces.
RPP Chairman Rajendra Lingden, RPP Nepal Chairman Kamal Thapa, and Rastriya Shakti Nepal chief Keshar Bahadur Bista were also present during the announcement.
Previously, Lingden, Thapa, and Bista had refused to be part of the committee when it was formed under Subedi’s leadership. However, they attended Thursday’s event and even stood to applaud when Subedi announced the launch of the indefinite “People’s Movement” from May 29.
Subedi claimed that the movement would establish an advanced and democratic system. He said that their goal is to restore constitutional monarchy, reinstate a Sanatan Hindu kingdom, abolish federalism, establish good governance, and eradicate corruption.
Additionally, he proposed agendas such as forming governments at the central and local levels, and strengthening local governance.
“If political parties are willing, this can be achieved on the basis of consensus and cooperation through the current Constitution itself,” Subedi said. “To create widespread public pressure, we will launch an indefinite people’s movement from May 29.”
The movement is set to begin on Republic Day, which falls on May 29 (Jestha 15 according to the Nepali calendar) this year. Nepal was declared a republic on May 28, 2008 (Jestha 15, 2065 BS).
Subedi emphasized that the movement would be peaceful and that it is aimed at ending authoritarianism rather than against any specific party or government.
Earlier, on March 28, a demonstration was held in Tinkune of Kathmandu under the leadership of Durga Prasai, who was designated “people’s commander” by the committee. The protest turned violent, resulting in two deaths and incidents of arson targeting private homes, government vehicles, party offices, and a herbal processing center.
Prasai, RPP Senior Vice-chairman Rabindra Mishra, and others were arrested on the charge of involvement in the incident. They are currently under investigation in police custody.
