Political Crisis In Nepal

Nepal is at a political crossroads. We tried democracy for the last 15 years but it has failed to live up to the expectations that the western world had presented. In fifteen years, Nepal managed drop down to the poorest country in the world. Our economy is nearing a black hole, politicians are the least respected members of the society and state education system is far from adequate. All these discontents gave rise to the Maoist movement in the rural areas of Nepal. People are tired of corrupt democratic system but they are not sure about Maoism, for the one reason that it hasn’t worked anywhere. The chances of Maoist system flourishing are just too slim in today’s globalized world. The only other option we have is to turn back to the King to take the country out of misery. For that reason, there have been only a few protests since last month when the current King, Gyanandra Bir Bikram Shah Dev, dismissed the constitution and took the power as an absolute monarch even though the nature of his succession to the throne has been controversial.
Late King Birendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev, King Gyandra’s eldest brother, along with his family, was massacred in the summer of 1999 during the Royal dinner at the Royal Palace. According to the official report, Late Crown Prince Dipendra allegedly shot his family and later himself under the influence of illicit drugs over an argument with his parents about his choice of bride. Among the few survivors of the deadly massacre were King Gyanandra, his wife, his son and a few others. Many discard the official report and believe that King Gyanandra was behind all this. Despite the shadow of the massacre, people seem to have faith in him for change. This is how great peoples’ frustration is with the unstable democratic government. Nepal is almost unheard of to western ears. It is mainly recognized as the home of Mount Everest and as the birthplace of Lord Buddha. Less than 1500 square kilometers stretch of land, the Kingdom of Nepal shares its border with China and India. Since their emergence on the world economic map, Nepal has been a place of interest for the world powers.