UML MP calls March 28 incident a ‘Soft Coup’ instigated by Former King Gyanendra
Pant emphasized that the government needs to clarify the former king's involvement in the March 28 incident to the public.
KATHMANDU: CPN (UML) MP Raghuji Pant has said that the incident that took place in Tinkune on March 28 was a ‘soft coup’ carried out with the encouragement of former King Gyanendra Shah.
Pant emphasized that the government needs to clarify the former king’s involvement in the March 28 incident to the public.
He stated that the event lacked any constitutional basis and questioned why the government remained passive when protesters attempted to seize key institutions such as Singhadurbar, Narayanhiti, and the Parliament building.
Pant raised concerns over the failure of the government to arrest the leader of the protest, despite the individual openly making violent threats.
He said, “What role did Gyanendra Shah play in all this? If there is no role, then say so; if there is, provide proof and make it public. The government must come forward and clarify this.”
He further described the event as a “soft coup” instigated by the former king, emphasizing that the actions of the protesters—attempting to seize important government buildings—had no constitutional legitimacy. He also criticized the government’s inaction in the face of public threats, noting that the protest commander had openly called for violent action, yet authorities did nothing to intervene.
Pant stressed the need for the government to take serious action and not dismiss such incidents lightly. He also advocated for punitive measures against those who refer to the government as “His Majesty’s government” and opposed the formation of a judicial commission in these cases.
