Nepal King’s Political Powers Taken Away
Two photos of King Gyanendra of Nepal
Nepal’s powerful Shah dynasty’s powers ended on Thursday (May 18) with Parliament unanimously okaying a proposal by the government to axe the king’s prerogatives, bring him under law, select his heir and transform the world’s only Hindu kingdom into a secular state, says India’s The Economic Times
This change would affect controversial Crown Prince Paras most, with his record of manslaughter, assault and firing in public places. It would also pave the way for the inquiries demanded by the parties, people and Maoists into several past massacres, including the assassination of the earlier King Birendra and his family.
The national anthem of Nepal that extols the King would be replaced and from a Hindu Kingdom, Nepal would become a secular country. This is another blow for the King, whose support base includes illiterate villagers obeying him blindly due to the carefully cultivated belief that he is an incarnation of Hindu god Vishnu.
The Independent of London reports that Nepal’s King has been stripped stripped of political powers. The vote represents a decisive victory for pro-democracy protesters who took to the streets in huge numbers last month after a year in which the King had ruled with absolute power.
Parliament removed the King as commander-in chief of the Royal Nepalese Army, which will be renamed the Nepal Army. Soldiers will cease to swear an oath of loyalty to the King, and the chief of staff will be appointed by parliament. Removing his command of the army was widely seen as the crucial step to prevent King Gyanendra trying to seize absolute power again.
The King will also have to pay taxes.
There is considerable hope among Nepalis that the King’s removal could pave the way for a peace deal with the Maoist rebels.
For my earlier posts on Nepal you may click on Nepal, Democracy and the King, Nepal Burns: World Watches the Spectacle, and Himal of Nepal: A Salute to a Pioneering Magazine
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The writer has worked as journalist with national and international media. At present he is Media Consultant with Press Institute of India, New Delhi. He is also Trainer/Mentor with BBC World Service Trust. Email: swaraaj47@gmail.com
2 Responses to “Nepal King’s Political Powers Taken Away”
The critical question is who controls the military at this point. Do you know by chance?
If you see carefully, you will find that India’s relation with any of it’s neighbours is not really commendable, whatever the reasons. Yet, this is essential for a leader of India’s stature. This “revolution” in Nepal, may just provide an opportunity for India to have at least one friendly neighbour – although Sitaram Yechury maybe the guide in Nepal, &his party with its recent victory in Kerala &West Bengal, may not see eye to eye with lead coalition partner in the UPA – the Congress.
Lets hope for the best.
Ultimately, only 5 Kings will remain in this world – 4 in the pack of cards &the remaining one – the British Monarch!!!!