Monarchy and Democracy in Nepal

Introduction

• Speaker: Jagraj Singh Rajput
• Subject: Anarchy and Democracy in Nepal

Political History of Nepal

Nepal's Position and Importance

• A buffer state in South Asia (between China and India)
• Important country in South Asian nations
• Historically influenced by monarchy

Early Political Situation

• King Tribhuvan: India-Nepal Relations
• King Mahendra (1960s): Playing the China card, independence
• Influence of political parties and the military

Chronological Significant Events

• 1968: Reign of King Mahendra
• 2019-2012: Power of King Mahendra, rise of contested parliamentary government

King Birendra and Political Tensions

• Death of King Birendra, assassination in the royal palace (2002)
• Reign of King Gyanendra (after 2002)
• Consolidation of power in 2012 (suspension of parliament by Gyanendra)
• Rise of people's movements and pro-democratic movements

Protests and Democratic Movements of 2005-6

• Nationwide large-scale protests in April 2016
• 2016: King Gyanendra had to return power under pressure from democratic protests
• Formation of the constituent assembly and new constitution
• 2018: Arrival of constitutional democracy

Struggle of Political Parties

• Nepali Congress vs Communist Party of Nepal
• Attempts for stability by Maoists and other political parties
• Role of the Indian government and their influence in Nepal

Nepal-India Relations

• Cultural and border relations
• Contribution of Ghurka soldiers
• Arms supply dispute and the monarchy's view

Conclusion

• From monarchy to democracy in Nepal
• Struggle of various political parties and transition to democracy in Nepal
• Complexity of Nepal-India relations and their consequences