KATHMANDU, March 31: Nepal’s former King Gyanendra Shah has been accused of orchestrating violent protests that have swept the nation this week. In a critical meeting convened by Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli, Nepal’s pro-republican political parties held Shah responsible for the recent demonstrations, accusing him of undermining the constitution and conspiring to overthrow the federal democratic republican system.

Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak, speaking after the meeting, emphasized that the political parties were united in their commitment to protect the constitution and ensure national development and public security. “No anti-constitutional activities will be tolerated,” Lekhak declared. Despite disagreements among the parties on various issues, former Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai, leader of the Nepal Samajbadi Party (NSP), suggested that the parties must unite to counter Shah’s anti-republican activities. Bhattarai stated that Shah’s actions, especially his role in the March 28 protests, were criminal and had crossed a line, calling for legal action against him.

Meanwhile, the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) and the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP), which are considered anti-republic forces, were excluded from the all-party meeting. The RPP, whose leaders were arrested for their involvement in the protests, demanded a probe into the events, urging the government to take responsibility for the violence. The party also challenged the government to arrest the former king, warning that they would show their strength if such an action was taken. Rajendra Lingden, chair of the RPP, called for the release of their two arrested leaders, senior vice president Rabindra Mishra and General Secretary Dhawal Sumsher Rana, who were charged with treason by the Kathmandu District Court and had their remand extended until Tuesday.

In the aftermath of the protests, tension remained high in parts of Kathmandu, where clashes between security forces and pro-monarchy protesters resulted in the deaths of two people and injuries to hundreds. The protests were calling for the restoration of the monarchy, which was abolished when Nepal became a federal democratic republic. Police have arrested around 100 individuals in connection with the protests, with 42 brought before the court, and investigations are ongoing.