A Much Maligned Plan

King Gyanendra's birthday celebration plan said to be organized by his adherents and conformists has drawn flak from different quarters. Soon after the envoys from the European Union disclosed that they would not attend the King's so called birthday celebration event, the political parties, professional groups and civil society organizations have come down heavily upon it. The student wings of the political parties organized protest rallies, the other day, and asked the government through a written note to ban the so called plan as this was aimed at hatching conspiracy against the election to the constituent assembly. Moreover, political party leaders speaking at a function, the other day, pressed on the government to prohibit the King from organizing the so called show in defiance of the national law and democratic values as allowing this event would amount to acquiescing into autocracy and feudalism.

The wrath demonstrated and the anger expressed against the King and his birthday celebration plan indicates that the monarchy in Nepal has been disputed as an institution . The Interim Constitution has not left any room for the King to exercise authority and seek any role. It would not be legal from his part to overstep the boundaries set by the basic law of the land. The position of the King, according to the constitution, is suspended and deactivated . As the prime minister is enjoined with power both of the head of the state and the government, the position of the monarchy is under severe scrutiny. The first meeting of the constituent assembly will discuss and decide about the fate of monarchy in Nepal, according to the Interim Constitution. What is crucial for Nepal right now is to create a congenial atmosphere for conducting the polls to the constituent assembly so that the delicate political and social issues were addressed and tackled properly . No forces in the country should seek to create controversies and disturb the situation. The King should refrain himself from nursing any ambition and abide by the law of the land as no institutions in the democratic Nepal is above the law. Any attempt to transgress the limits of the rule of law and democracy would be resisted by the people.

Source: The Rising Nepal, July 9, 2007