Opinion | Authoritarianism with a new face

Summary

Nepal's royalists are repackaging the monarchy with a new face, Hridayendra Bir Bikram Shah, to appeal to the youth and promote a return to a Hindu state amidst frustrations with current leaders.

Key Points
  • Nepal's royalists are promoting Hridayendra Bir Bikram Shah as a youthful, relatable face for monarchy restoration.
  • The pro-monarchy agenda is linked with restoring Nepal as a Hindu nation, challenging secularism.
  • Frustration with current political leadership and corruption fuels support for monarchy restoration.
  • Restoring the monarchy threatens Nepal's democracy and pluralism despite its softened public image.
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