Pokhara, 19 February | Former King Gyanendra Shah released an eight-minute video message on Wednesday on the occasion of Democracy Day, which falls on Falgun 7, sharply criticizing the prevailing election process and stressing the urgent need for nationwide consensus to address deep-rooted national problems. In his address he paid heartfelt tribute to King Tribhuvan and the martyrs who sacrificed for establishing democracy in the country offering respectful homage to their contributions that paved the way for political freedoms.
Reflecting on recent events the former monarch expressed deep gratitude towards the ordinary citizens indigenous communities and civil society members who warmly welcomed him upon his return to Kathmandu from a few months stay in Jhapa on Falgun 21 last year. He specifically mentioned activist Durga Prasai who coordinated the large public reception program but is currently detained by the government highlighting a sense of concern over such developments. Describing the present situation as abnormal and deeply crisis-ridden Gyanendra stated that the people are clearly feeling that the nation’s identity and very existence stand threatened today. He appealed to all sections of society to work unitedly in order to halt escalating conflicts and restore mutual goodwill before the situation deteriorates further.
While acknowledging that periodic elections and constitutional procedures remain essential features of true democracy the former king argued that rushing into elections under current circumstances would be inappropriate until core national issues find meaningful resolution. He insisted that political processes must strictly follow constitutional norms yet right now solving pressing national problems through broad all-party initiative should take absolute priority. Only after bringing everyone into genuine understanding and preventing fresh rounds of conflict would elections lead the country onto a correct and stable path he maintained. Gyanendra also pointed out the growing tendency among people and leaders to demand rights without fulfilling corresponding duties urging everyone to awaken a strong sense of responsibility so the nation can emerge from its present turmoil.
He further emphasized that lasting stability can only come from a system carefully aligned with Nepal’s unique geography natural features and cultural realities. While preserving the good aspects of any political arrangement bad elements must be corrected gradually making people’s daily lives simpler and more dignified. Democracy he noted should accommodate every shade of thought tradition and culture rather than impose rigid uniformity. The former king described the country as trapped in an unnatural whirlwind of anxiety and frustration reminding that past struggles and movements under various banners brought repeated changes yet those transformations have failed to deliver lasting prosperity or peace to Nepal and Nepalis. Today he declared poverty and chronic instability represent the real enemies that must be confronted collectively. Calling for respect towards social values cultural heritage and diverse ideologies he sought to instill a deep feeling of duty among all citizens to serve both nation and society selflessly in these trying times.
