Question

Describe the second popular movement for democracy of Nepal

Answer 1

Hint There was a multiparty movement in the year 1990 in Nepal. The revolution brought an end to ‘absolute monarchy’ and paved the path for ‘constitutional monarchy’.

Complete answer
The second popular movement for democracy of Nepal took place in 2006. It is termed as the second popular movement as the first popular movement in Nepal happened in 1990. Hence, the movement is also often referred to as “Jan Andolan II” which means “People's Movement". The movement was initiated against the undemocratic rule of King Gyanendra.

The movement started when King Gyanendra, Nepal's new king, refused to recognise democratic rule. The king removed the then Prime Minister in February 2005 and dissolved the popularly elected Parliament, benefiting from its weakness and unpopularity. The April 2006 movement was aimed at regaining widespread power from the king over the Government.

The Seven Party Alliance (SPA) was founded by all the major political parties in Parliament and called for a four-day strike in Kathmandu. The Maoists and many other groups soon joined the demonstration. And the strike became indefinite. Defying the curfew, people took to the streets. The citizens wanted the Parliament to be restored, an all-party government to have power and a new constituent assembly.

King Gyanendra revived the old Nepalese House of Representatives in a nationally televised speech on April 24, 2006. The King called on the Seven Party Alliance (SPA) to take responsibility for putting the nation on the road to national reconciliation and stability while promising lasting peace and safeguarding the democracy of multiple parties.

Parliament's reinstitution was approved by the Seven Party Alliance (SPA). It announced that the new Government would be headed by Girija Prasad Koirala. The SPA claimed that a committee would be elected which would draw a new Constitution for the country.

Note The elected Parliament striped the King off several powers through the May 18, 2006 Act or the “18 May Act”. Some call May 18 as Loktantrik Day (Democracy Day).