Yogi Adityanath’s Image Included in Pro-Monarchist Rally for Ex-King Gyanendra in Kathmandu

A pro-monarchist rally in Kathmandu on March 10, 2025, was organized to welcome Nepal’s former king, Gyanendra Shah, and it surprisingly included huge posters of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. The pro-monarchy groups’ rally has generated a lot of controversy and criticism, particularly over the use of Adityanath’s posters prominently.

The Monarchical Movement and Adityanath’s Role

The presence of Yogi Adityanath at the rally was no coincidence. As an outspoken advocate for Nepal’s monarchy, Adityanath’s participation in the rally speaks to his political view on the subject. Adityanath has consistently over the years declared support for the monarchy of Nepal, a view which is shared by some groups of people in Nepal’s politics. The rally held in Kathmandu seems to have been reflective of that worldview.

In January 2025, Nepal’s last king, King Gyanendra Shah, traveled to Uttar Pradesh and met with Yogi Adityanath, further strengthening the bond between the two. The visit was seen by some as a sign of increasing ties between the monarchist camp in Nepal and India’s political leadership, especially Adityanath, who has taken a stand as a champion of Hindu values and a staunch supporter of Nepal’s monarchy.

Political Backlash and Criticism

While the rally’s organizers were rejoicing over Gyanendra Shah and the monarchy, the fact that the images of Yogi Adityanath had been included faced serious political controversy. Most parties in Nepal, especially those aligned with the republican government and the nation’s secular identity, have condemned the use of Adityanath’s posters as an unwanted political gesture. Critics stated that this serves to promote India’s interference in Nepal’s internal issues, particularly in the nation’s political future.

The posters of Adityanath were interpreted by some as a sign that India is closely monitoring Nepal’s political path and backing the monarchy in one form or another. The relations between India and Nepal have always been complicated, with historical relationships and periodic friction. The Adityanath imagery in the rally has sparked renewed controversy about the role of Indian politics in Nepal’s internal affairs.

Rising Monarchist Sentiment in Nepal

This incident also underscores the ongoing political polarization of Nepal, with monarchist ideology remaining a powerful force in the nation despite its declaration as a federal democratic republic in 2008. Certain segments persistently advocate for the return of the monarchy as a fundamental aspect of Nepal’s identity and tradition. The pro-monarchy rally and participation of personalities such as Adityanath reflect the simmering conflict between Nepal’s royalist and republican forces.

The Way Forward

The presence of Yogi Adityanath’s photographs at the pro-monarchist demonstration serves as a reminder of the wider geopolitical currents involved between Nepal and India. Sharing cultural and historical heritage, both countries see their politics spill over into one another, especially issues related to governance and ideology. As Nepal finds its way through its political journey, the issue of monarchy versus republic is expected to continue being a contentious issue, with Yogi Adityanath and others among him continuing to weigh in from beyond the border.

This incident in Kathmandu has not only renewed discussions within Nepal concerning the position of the monarchy but also garnered international attention for the changing political relationship between Nepal and India, specifically concerning the role of Indian political leaders in the domestic politics of Nepal.

As the situation unravels, only time will tell how the Nepalese government and political parties will react to the increasing trend of monarchist sentiment, particularly with foreign political personalities involved such as Adityanath.