Don't get excited as yet. This was 18 hours ago.

King Seeks a Role in New Nepal

KATHMANDU (AFP) — Nepal's government has fixed May 28 for the planned abolition of the world's last Hindu monarchy, but the king is looking to retain a ceremonial role.

"During my meetings with (Maoist leader) Prachanda, I have said that the king should not be given any political authority," said Kamal Thapa, a former royal home minister and unofficial emissary between the Maoists and the palace.

"But he should be given a respectable status that allows him to enjoy his cultural and religious rights," Thapa told AFP on Tuesday.

Nepal's former rebel Maoists emerged as the surprise winners in landmark polls last month, garnering 220 seats in the 601-member constitution-drafting assembly -- more than twice the number of their nearest rival.

The ultra-leftists insist that the first meeting of the elected body will end the 240-year-old monarchy, but Thapa believes getting rid of the institution will be dangerous for the impoverished Himalayan nation.

"The country will face a big accident if an abrupt decision is made without alternate mechanisms," said Thapa.

"It is logical to end the monarchy only after the drafting of the constitution is finalised," said Thapa, the leader of the only royalist party elected to the new assembly, with four of the 601 seats.

But the Maoists, now dominant after a resounding election victory, dismissed any appeal from the 61-year-old king for a continued role.

"There would be no question about giving him any rights. A republic is in the making and the king does not have the right to ask for any rights," Mohan Vaidya, a senior Maoist party strategist and leader, told AFP.

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And this is some four hours ago.

Leave palace or face eviction, Prachanda warns King

Kathmandu (PTI): Nepal Maoist chairman Prachanda on Tuesday gave an ultimatum to King Gyanendra to leave the Narayanhiti royal palace by May 27, failing which he will be "forcefully evicted".

Prachanda revealed that he had sent a message to Gyanendra, suggesting that he leave the palace by May 27, a day before the first sitting of the Constituent Assembly (CA) is expected to abolish the 240-year-old monarchy and declare Nepal a republic.

Prachanda warned that the king could face forceful eviction from the palace if he refused to quit voluntarily, the nepalnews online reported.

Asserting that first meeting of the special assembly would declare the country a republic, the Maoist supremo made it clear that his party would not accept any form of monarchy.

"If the king cooperated with the political process he would be given the rights enjoyed by ordinary citizens," Prachanda was quoted as saying.

Prachanda's 'ultimatum' comes a day after he met former royalist minister and chairman of Rasatriya Prajatantra Party-Nepal, Kamal Thapa, and through him reportedly conveyed his message to the King.

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Yes the King has no choice but to leave the palace as early as possible.This is the verdict of Nepalese people and want of all.

I don't think King will opt for bloodshed anymore which is in the interest neither of himself nor of any of his relatives.   

It is nothing personal. He should take it easy. He will not be small by abdicating the throne. He has equal right to stay, work and live in Nepal as other common folks. He should not be blamed/credited alone for all  deeds or misdeeds of Shah dynasty. He was just carrying the legacy forward. If there were A or B whoever, s/he would do the same thing.

Pessimism leads to destruction. Let's hope for the best. Let's wish Maoists and other parties would work together. Let's also wish Maoists would not deviate from the principle of and their commitment for multiparty democracy. Definately they should be more socialist than capitalist that is the need of hours. Rampant capitalism would create disparity among people in the countries like ours. We can not compare our country with America, UK, France, Japan, Germany, etc.   

Thanks King Gyanendra you have played a very important and crucial role in history for a smooth transition from monarchism to republicanism. You will always be remembered in history!!!