Ex-King of Nepal Leaves Palace

In a press meet at the Narayanhiti Palace today, the former King of Nepal, Gyanendra Shah, delivered a speech about the monarchy in Nepal, his family and his 7 year as head of state. The press meet which was held at the Kaski Hall, the hall right after entering the main door, was over crowded by the press, both national and international.

The former King could be hardly heard among the 200 or so journalist in the room; the room was noisy and the media-men could literally be seen fighting among themselves for a better view and coverage of the Ex-King's speech.
The main things he mentioned was the Palace Massacre 7 years ago, his personal property and about his ancestors. The Ex-King stated in front of the 'rowdy' media men that his family had nothing to do with the Massacre and he was hurt that people blamed him for having a hand in it.
Also, he added that he didn't have any property or money abroad and that he would stay in Nepal.
The Media was allowed in the palace for the first time and many TV station covered the speech live.
As I mentioned earlier, the Ex-King's mother and grandmother are staying in the palace for now.

Photo:- KTV

Ex-King leaves Narayanhiti Palace, Now to live in Nargarjung Palace

Nepal's politics is very intriguing and dramatic. From the struggle of power among the then ruling Shah to the Rana Regime, the overthrowing of the Rana Regime, Multi party Democracy, one Party Democracy, Democracy, Absolute Monarchy and 'finally' a Republic; However, its not yet sure if this is 'it' and the change in ruling systems is over.

Leaving the drama apart, the focus today remains on the Ex-King Gyanendra. As for now, the king is formally moving out of the Naryanhiti Palace. In a press meet today at the Palace, which now is to be turned to a museum, he'll make it official.

Apart the joy of being a republic, which is yet to be evaluated and justified in terms of what really changes, the Nepalese people can finally get inside the palace and see for themselves what a modern day Nepali Palace looks like. I think this is, for now, what excites everyone.

This is the bit that just doesn't fit in. The Ex-Royals, Gyanendra's mother Ranta and grandmother Sarala will, however, still live inside the palace grounds. So much for a republic. And it doesn't end there, the Ex-King will be living, 'for the meanwhile', at the Nagarjung Palace, one of the Palaces owned by the former Monarchs. It just doesn't make sense. To let the Ex-King live on government property and that too with security is a direct attack on the the mandate given by the Nepali people. There is no need to be so nice.

The people's mass moventment in 2006 ended the King's absolute rule and paved a way for a new Constitution. In the constituent elections, the former Maoist Rebel secured the most seats and they along with other political parties decided that the King should be removed. As a result Nepal was declared a Federal Republic by the first meeting of the Constituent assembly on 28 May, 2008.