Former Nepali King Gyanendra Shah stakes claim to throne

Former Nepal King Gyanendra Shah (Files)

Eleven years after Nepal discarded and subsequently abolished monarchy, former King Gyanendra Shah on Saturday said he was ready to assume the country’s leadership. Speaking to media at the residence of his sister Shova Shahi, where he had gone for Bhai Dooj, Shah said, “I am ready to assume responsibility as well as leadership… time has come for me to do that, but let the people decide.”

Shah’s assertion comes at a time when the country’s politics is going through major fragmentation and the state’s authority is visibly depleted. “I know some may say I have become active again, but it is not a question of becoming active, but that it is time for me to assume leadership. I humbly appeal the people to listen to what I have said and ponder it over.” Shah has often commented on the country’s state of affairs but this is the first time he has staked a claim to the lost throne.