As Nepal’s former King Gyanendra Shah arrived in Kathmandu on Sunday, thousands of his supporters welcomed him with chants of "come, king, save the nation." His return comes when calls for restoring the monarchy and reinstating Nepal as a Hindu state are gaining momentum.

News agency AFP reported Shah’s supporters waved Nepal’s national flag and raised slogans like "Come king, save the nation!" as the 77-year-old former monarch emerged from Tribhuvan International Airport after completing a tour of western Nepal.

As Gyanendra Shah arrived at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu after a tour of western Nepal, around 10,000 of his supporters blocked the main entrance.

"Vacate the royal palace for the king. Come back, king, save the country. Long live our beloved king. We want monarchy," the crowds erupted in chants, while travellers had no choice but to walk to and from the airport.

A large crowd, including pro-monarchist Rastriya Prajatantra Party members, gathered with placards that read "We want our King back" and "Abolish federal republican system and reinstate the monarchy." Riot police were deployed to prevent protesters from entering the premises, but no incidents of violence were reported.

In 2006, massive street protests forced Gyanendra to renounce his authoritarian rule. Two years later, the parliament abolished the monarchy, and Gyanendra left the Royal Palace to live as an ordinary citizen. However, many Nepalis have become disillusioned with the republic, arguing that it has failed to bring political stability and is responsible for economic struggles and widespread corruption. Since the monarchy’s abolition in 2008, Nepal has seen 13 different governments. Protesters at the rally expressed their desire to change the political system to prevent the country from further decline.

"We are here to give the king our full support and to rally behind him all the way to reinstating him in the royal throne," expressed 72-year-old Thir Bahadur Bhandari.

Rajindra Kunwar, a teacher who participated in the rally, expressed concerns about the country's situation, as quoted by AFP. He stated, "The country faces instability, prices are high, people are jobless, and there is a lack of education and healthcare facilities." Kunwar further stressed, “The poor are dying of hunger. The law applies to the public but not to politicians. That’s why we need the king back.”

Some protesters who once advocated for abolishing the monarchy have reconsidered their position. Kulraj Shrestha, a carpenter, admitted, “I was in the protests that took away the monarchy, hoping it would help the country, but I was mistaken.” He further explained that the country's situation has worsened, leading him to change his perspective. “The nation has further plunged, so I have changed my mind,” Shrestha said.

Gyanendra, who usually avoids commenting on political issues, has recently appeared publicly. Just before Nepal’s Democracy Day last month, he released a statement expressing his views, "It is now time. If we wish to save our nation and maintain national unity, I call on all countrymen to support us for Nepal's prosperity and progress." Although support for the monarchy is growing, political analyst Lok Raj Baral told AFP its return remains unlikely, describing it as "a source of instability." He said, "For some disgruntled groups, it has become a retreat due to the incompetence of politicians."

According to PTI, security measures were tightened in Kathmandu, with riot police stationed around the Narayanhiti Palace Museum, the former royal residence. Rumours circulated that former King Gyanendra might try to enter the palace with his supporters. However, he went to his private residence, Nirmal Niwas, without any incidents. The movement advocating for the return of the monarchy has been gaining momentum since February, following Gyanendra’s Democracy Day statement, which reignited discussions about Nepal’s political future.

Meanwhile, Bollywood actress Manisha Koirala, granddaughter of Nepal’s first elected Prime Minister BP Koirala, took to social media to encourage Nepalis to gather at the airport to welcome the former king.

Gyanendra ascended to the throne in 2002 following the tragic massacre of his brother and family in the palace. Initially serving as a constitutional monarch without political or executive authority, he took complete control in 2005. He dissolved the government and parliament, imprisoned politicians and journalists, restricted communications and declared a state of emergency, ruling the country with military support.