Kathmandu:
A stir arose in Nepal as photographs of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath were showcased at a pro-monarchist rally held in welcome of former king Gyanendra Shah.
Upon Gyanendra’s arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport from Pokhara via the Simrik Air helicopter, hundreds of loyalists, including leaders and members of the pro-monarchist Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP), gathered to express their support for him.
The rally aimed to demonstrate backing for the reinstatement of monarchy in Nepal. Supporters on motorcycles carrying Gyanendra’s image and national flags greeted him outside the airport. Some also displayed pictures of Adityanath alongside Gyanendra’s.
However, the inclusion of Adityanath’s images drew criticism from various political factions and the public on social media.
In response to the backlash, RPP spokesperson Gyanendra Shahi alleged that the display of Adityanath’s photograph was a deliberate attempt by the K P Oli-led government to discredit the pro-monarchist movement.
Rimal, the chief advisor of Prime Minister K P Oli, refuted the allegations, calling them misinformation by irresponsible individuals.
Prime Minister Oli, without directly naming Adityanath, stated at a program in Kathmandu that they do not use photographs of foreign leaders in their rallies.
Gyanendra’s supporters have been rallying in various parts of the country, including Kathmandu and Pokhara, demanding the reinstatement of the monarchy abolished in 2008.
The pro-monarchists have been active since February’s democracy day when Gyanendra emphasized the need for national unity and responsibility to protect the country.
(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
