His Majesty King Gyanendra Shah’s Call for Systemic Change: ‘The System Bearing Negative Aspects Must Be Discarded’

Kathmandu – In a video message issued on Wednesday on the occasion of the 75th National Democracy Day, His Majesty King Gyanendra Shah expressed serious dissatisfaction with the current political situation, emphasizing the need to uproot the negative aspects of the system that has left the country directionless.

Observing that the nation has been caught in a whirlpool of unnatural restlessness, His Majesty said, “The good and positive aspects of any system should be adopted and retained. Every system has its bad and negative aspects; such aspects must be removed and discarded.” He highlighted the necessity of eliminating elements harmful to the nation, rather than expressing attachment to monarchy itself.

While acknowledging that periodic elections are the fundamental essence of democracy, His Majesty the King raised questions about the appropriateness of elections in the current adverse circumstances, asserting that elections should not be rushed without resolving national problems. His message states, “It would have been appropriate to proceed towards the upcoming electoral process only after first resolving the national problems in the country. Only by moving towards elections after building a national consensus and understanding that includes everyone, keeping in mind that there should be no conflict, unrest, or discord after the elections, would it have taken the right path.”

He made it clear that the country cannot be built with a mentality of ‘taking turns and sharing the spoils.’ His Majesty expressed concern over the growing tendency to focus solely on the politics of rights while forgetting duties. Remarking that the country is bound in the ‘shackles of a forced system,’ he cautioned the political leadership against relying on others and falling into trouble.

Stating that the time has come for introspection on what the changes brought by past movements and struggles have actually given the country and its people, he noted that every patriotic Nepali feels that the nation’s identity and existence are in crisis. “The undesirable culture where one Nepali considers another Nepali an enemy must end,” His Majesty said.

Recalling the affection and support received from local residents and the public while returning to Kathmandu after his stay in Jhapa, he mentioned that this has made him more responsible towards the nation. He pointed out that poverty and instability are Nepal’s main enemies.

On the occasion of Democracy Day, His Majesty paid heartfelt tribute to his great-grandfather, King Tribhuvan, who made sacrifices for the establishment of democracy, and to the known and unknown martyrs. He expressed firm commitment to a system that upholds the dignity of Nepalis before the world and extended best wishes to all Nepalis on Democracy Day.