Lingden says supporting monarchy is not against democracy

KATHMANDU: Chair of the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP), Rajendra Lingden, has said that advocating for the monarchy does not mean opposing democracy.

Speaking at the House of Representatives on Friday, Lingden said, “A wrong narrative has been created that talking about the monarchy is being against democracy. I urge all members of this honorable parliament not to adopt such a misguided definition. Supporting the monarchy is not opposing democracy.”

He emphasized that monarchy and democracy are not mutually exclusive, citing examples of prosperous countries where both systems coexist.

Lingden urged political parties and lawmakers not to label those who support the monarchy as anti-democratic. “There are many developed and happy nations in the world where monarchy and democracy go hand in hand. So, speaking in favor of the monarchy or the king should not be viewed as being against democracy,” he said.

He also questioned the democratic credibility of major parties that suppress others in the name of democracy. “One does not become democratic just by chanting slogans of democracy,” Lingden added. “It is behavior that reflects one’s commitment to democratic values. How can those who practice authoritarian behavior call themselves democratic?”

Lingden further stressed that the upcoming national budget must address the current economic challenges of the country.