The recent protests in Nepal for restoration of monarchy is a disturbing sign for democracy across the world and South Asia in particular. While the cause remains the economic crisis and sluggish recovery post Covid, the 17 years old democratic process has not been able to enthuse people either. Pro monarchy forces have resurfaced and are using the religion card, perhaps inspired by the yogi regime in neighboring Uttar Pradesh. The democratic process in Nepal was born out of an armed rebellion by the communists who forced the king Gyanendra to step down and displayed unusual foresight to ally with the pro democracy parties like the Nepali congress and form a multiparty republic. But since then they haven’t been able to provide a stable government due to internal power struggles and corruption. This has disenchanted the people with little democratic experience and memory. If the monarchy is resurrected, The fallout would be grave as it would be a Hindu Rashtra and would embolden the regressive forces in India further. The international community should intervene to save democracy in this landlocked hill country with little means of its own.
