Nepal at a Crossroads: Is the Monarchy Set to Rise as Communist Era Fades?

International News: On 8-9 September, the country's politics took a sudden turn in Nepal. Young agitators, along with pro-monarchy leaders, took control of power. The roots of this uprising were laid in March 2025, when on March 9, there were massive demonstrations in Kathmandu in favor of monarchy rule. It was called Nepal's "hacktivism" movement, whose aim was to bring power and its centers under public control.

Led by Balendra Shah and Sudan Gurung

Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, who belongs to the Madheshi community of Maithili origin, became the prominent face of this movement. Shah is a supporter of monarchy and the Hindu nation. Along with him, Sudan Gurung also led the movement and made a strategy against the democratic leaders and the Oli government.

Similar to the Occupy Wall Street movement of America

According to experts, the form of this movement was similar to the Occupy Wall Street movement of November 2011 in America. While in America activists took to the streets against social inequality and capitalism, in Nepal youth came out on the streets against corrupt leaders and centralization of power.

8-9 September: Decisive Events

On 8 September, the agitators in Kathmandu decided on several strategies. Gurung called students and youths to join the movement with uniforms and books. On the same day, the Oli government called a meeting of the Constituent Assembly of CPN-UML.

On 9 September, the second day of KP Sharma Oli's three-day meeting proved to be decisive. Youth power under the leadership of Shah and Gurung completely captured power. This proved to be the last bell of power for the Oli government.

Influence of monarchy supporters increased

Now the dominance of monarchy supporters has increased in Nepal. Political analysts believe that in the coming days, the Constitution and King Gyanendra will together decide the new direction of the country. This movement made it clear that youth power and monarchy supporters together are capable of changing the political ground of Nepal.