Monarchy may come back if people wanted: Deposed king Gyanendra Shah

KATHMANDU: Criticising the Parliament for failing to promulgate a Constitution, Nepal's deposed king Gyanendra Shah today warned that monarchy could return if the people wanted.

"Monarchy may comeback if Nepalese people wish," Shah said here while addressing thousands of supporters and loyalists on his 66th birthday at his residence Nimal Nivas, Maharajganj in the outskirts of Kathamandu.

"Country was suffering due to failure of the Constituent Assembly to deliver a constitution," Shah added.

Around 2,500 people including his family members, well-wishers and loyalists had gathered at the residence to celebrate his birthday amidst tight security.

People offered him flowers, gifts and curd along with vermilion powder as a sign of good omen while some loyalists carried placards with the photographs of Gyanendra and chanted pro-monarchy slogans.

Various ethnic and cultural groups were also invited at Nirmal Niwas to play traditional music and perform dances.

Gyanendra had just returned from his five day visit to three districts of southern Nepal including Kapilvastu, Nawalparasi and Rupandehi.

Nepal abolished the monarchy in 2008. A constituent assembly was recently dissolved after failing to reach agreement on a new Constitution. Fresh elections are planned for November, but in the meantime Nepal is in a political vacuum.