Rival rallies in Kathmandu signal growing political divide

Amid heightened political tensions and a heavy security presence, Kathmandu’s city center on May 29 became a stage for rival demonstrations that exposed Nepal’s deepening ideological divide over its republican future.

On one side, the CPN-UML marked Republic Day with a celebratory "Republic Mahotsav." On the other, royalist and pro-Hindu groups — gathered under the banner of the "Unified People's Joint Movement Committee"— launched an indefinite protest campaign calling for the restoration of the monarchy and Hindu statehood.

Authorities, wary of potential clashes, had allocated separate time slots and locations to both camps. From morning until 2 p.m, UML held its event, while the Ratnapark area was designated for the royalist rally.

To prevent confrontations, police deployed over 3,500 security personnel — including plainclothes officers — throughout the area. Barricades were erected at strategic junctions, particularly around Ratnapark, ensuring that rival factions never came face to face.

“We still remember the vandalism of March 28,” said a senior security official, referencing earlier unrest. “This time, we prepared thoroughly. Credit also goes to both groups for avoiding provocation.”

Both rallies concluded peacefully within the designated timeframe, confirmed SSP Ramesh Thapa, spokesperson for the Nepal Police. “Our strategy worked. Coordination and restraint kept the day incident-free.”

Still, royalist leaders accused security forces of attempting to suppress their turnout by blocking supporters from entering the capital. RPP spokesperson Mohan Kumar Shrestha alleged that police subjected their members to arbitrary checks, particularly at the Naubise entry point.

“I call on the administration to act responsibly and safeguard democratic rights,” Shrestha posted on Facebook.

In an interview, he added, “Today’s message is loud and clear — we can easily mobilize 100,000 people in Kathmandu.” While he claimed over 30,000 attended the rally, a senior Home Ministry official put the number at closer to 7,000.

Shrestha refuted the government’s estimate: “Just from our party, there were more than 15,000. Add supporters from aligned groups, and the numbers were much higher.”

Encouraged by the turnout, Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) Chairman Rajendra Lingden said the rally served as a de facto “referendum.”

“After we announced our protest, UML rushed to mobilize its own demonstration. But even with the full might of the state, their turnout was underwhelming,” Lingden said. “What we witnessed today is public sentiment in action—people are turning back to monarchy.”

Lingden vowed that the movement would not stop until the republic is dismantled. Calling Thursday’s protest a symbolic “casting,” he urged Kathmandu residents to support what he described as a people-led campaign for national identity.

“This movement transcends party lines. It belongs to the Nepali people,” he declared.

Kamal Thapa, leader of the Rastriya Prajatantra Party-Nepal, echoed Lingden’s warning. Speaking at Ratnapark, he predicted a constitutional crisis if leaders fail to heed growing discontent.

“A day could come when the current constitution is torn apart on the streets and a new one is drafted by the people,” Thapa said. He noted that thousands more supporters were still arriving from rural districts and promised that the demonstrations would intensify starting Friday.

As the two sides brace for further mobilization, the capital remains under close watch, a reminder of the country’s fragile peace and uncertain political future.