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KATHMANDU: In an unusual move, the ruling CPN-UML has announced plans to hold street protests—a strategy typically associated with opposition parties rather than those in power.
The 46th meeting of the UML Central Secretariat, held last week, decided to organize protests at both provincial and district levels to counter the growing activities of pro-monarchy forces.
The recent statement by former King Gyanendra Shah on Democracy Day and the warm reception he received upon his arrival from Pokhara have emboldened royalist supporters. Some are now openly advocating for the restoration of the monarchy.
In response, pro-republic groups have decided to counter the activities of royalist forces. The Socialist Front, which includes the CPN (Maoist Center), CPN (Unified Socialist) and the Nepal Samajbadi Party (NSP), has already announced plans to counter the monarchist movement.
According to UML General Secretary Shankar Pokharel, the party will organize district-level awareness rallies, as well as special demonstrations and public meetings in Dhangadhi (Sudurpashchim Province), Surkhet (Karnali Province), Butwal (Lumbini Province), Pokhara (Gandaki Province), Birgunj (Madhesh Province), and Damak (Koshi Province). However, no such activities have been announced for Bagmati Province which houses the federal capital Kathmandu.
Pokharel added that speakers from the party center will be sent to provincial-level meetings, while arrangements for district-level gatherings will be made as needed.
Pro-royalist forces have mocked the UML’s protest plans. Rajaram Bartuala, general secretary of the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) Nepal, criticized the move, stating that the government’s decision to protest reflects its weakness and lack of self-confidence. “This shows that the foundation of the republic is weak, and the rulers’ self-confidence has eroded,” he said. “The country has reached this state because leaders have betrayed the people. That is why changing the system is necessary.”
Maoist General Secretary Dev Gurung also said it is unusual for a ruling party to engage in street protests. “The government should focus on fulfilling the needs of the citizens,” Gurung said. “Going in the opposite direction is wrong.”
Political analysts have also criticized the UML’s decision, calling it counterproductive. “The ruling party is engaging in activities that undermine its own position,” said Analyst Dambar Khatiwada.
However, UML Secretary Chhabilal Bishwakarma defended the party’s move, stating that the protests aim to inform the public about the government’s achievements. “We have decided to organize programs to highlight the work done by the government,” Bishwakarma said. “It is our right to inform the people and workers about the progress made under our system. We are organizing these programs to reawaken awareness of the achievements of federalism among the people.”
Bishwakarma added that the party plans to conduct awareness campaigns to counter elements opposing the constitution and democracy. “We need to dispel the illusion that we have not done enough. Anti-system forces are spreading misinformation, and we aim to counter that,” he said.
Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) Spokesperson Gyanendra Shahi questioned the rationale behind the protests. “Honorable Prime Minister, are you protesting against your own government?” he said in a social media post. “Who are you protesting for? If Madan Bhandari in heaven sees such a spectacle, what would he say?”
