Democracy has no 'reverse gear', says Nepal PM Sharma Oli; takes dig at pro-monarchists

Prime Minister Oli emphasizes democracy's forward momentum, gender equality, and economic reforms in Nepal at recent events.

Taking a dig at the pro-monarchist groups in Nepal, Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli on Sunday (March 16, 2025) said democracy, like a "highway", has no "reverse gear", only the occasional sharp turn demands a momentary shift back, as he emphasised the importance of moving forward.

Last week, hundreds of supporters of former King Gyanendra Shah organised a rally to welcome the former monarch in the capital. As soon as Mr. Gyanendra (77) landed at the Tribhuvan International Airport on Sunday last from Pokhara after visiting religious places in various parts of the country, his loyalists started chanting slogans in his favour. The rally was intended to demonstrate support for the reinstatement of monarchy in Nepal.

Speaking at the Women Leadership Summit 2025 in Kathmandu on Sunday (March 17, 2025), Prime Minister Oli pointed to the recent protests by the pro-monarchist groups and said, "We always need to move forward. There should be no turning back. The reverse gear is sometimes applied only when there are sharp turns on the road. There is no back gear on the highway and democracy is our highway.”

The former king's supporters have been rallying in various parts of the country, including Kathmandu and Pokhara, for the past few days, demanding the reinstatement of the monarchy abolished in 2008 following the People's Movement.

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The pro-monarchists have become active since the democracy day in February when Mr. Gyanendra said, "Time has come for us to assume responsibility to protect the country and bring about national unity."

Prime Minister Oli also underscored the need for equal participation of men and women in every sector of society. Mr. Oli highlighted that Nepali culture has long revered women as powerful deities capable of shaping the world, making their active engagement in leadership and development essential.