Republic Vs Monarchy

Parmeshwar Devkota

During the absolute monarchy, Nepali people used to live in a constant fear of being arrested, punished and even murdered. The agents of the monarchy -- Panchas and Mandales — used to be everywhere. In our childhood, when we used to talk about atrocities carried out by Panchas and Mandales in our locality, our parents would warn us by saying, ‘Do not speak loudly as even the walls of the house have ears. If they hear something bad on monarchy from you, they will take you away for good.’ 

No political parties were allowed operating freely during the dictatorial kingship. The Nepali Congress, which had fought for democracy, was banned. The leaders of the Communist Party of Nepal were imprisoned. But, monarchy was enjoying both state powers. The Supreme Court was also under the reign of the monarchy because the sovereign power was with the king. The royal family was above the constitution. Any verbal, sign or indication against the monarchy was punishable. 

Once, noted pro-democracy leader Rupchandra Bist spoke with brevity at Rastriya Panchayat. He called for bringing about a political change in the country. He symbolically said: ‘Satta Napharkiye Attha Pharkinna’, which means the eighth number of card cannot turn over until the seventh one turns up. Bista, a member of Rastriya Panchayat, was arrested and sent to detention. 

While turning on the pages of history, one may find amazing blunders the successive kings had made. Had king Tribhuvan not given the five finger consent to kill Dasharath Chand, Dharmabhakta Mathema, Sukraraj Shastri and Gangalal Shrestha, they would not have been killed. Had Tribhuvan or Mahendra held the constituent assembly which they had promised, we would not have to continue shedding blood for freedom and democracy. The Federal Republic is the outcome of a strong commitment of the Nepali political parties, visionary leaders and continuous participation and sacrifice of the conscious citizens. 

Today, everybody is free and sovereign. In the three-layer set-up, we have independent bodies and elected representatives working actively to run respective levels. Among those setups, the federal parliament is one of them. It is the apex elected body committed to the well-being of all of us. In the formal meeting of the House, a lawmaker demanded for restoration of monarchy owing to freedom under the republic set up.  

Italy was made republic over two thousand years ago. Julius Caesar was the great warrior who won the wars where he fought. He invaded Gaul, (present-day France), Spain, Germany, Switzerland, and Belgium. He got victory over other territories and annexed them in Italy. Therefore, he became immensely popular among army and general people.  The people in the streets started bowing before him as he was a king or an incarnation of the Almighty God. So, the officials of the Republic began guessing that he would proclaim himself as a king. But, against their suspicion, Caesar rejected the crown three times offered by people. 

Ironically, the Roman parliament considered that Caesar could pose a threat to the republic and the sovereign people of Italy.  So, they hatched a secret plan to strike on Julius Caesar under the leadership of his intimate friend Mark Anthony. About 60 supporters of the Republic State decided to assassinate Caesar at the meeting of the Senate on 15th March 44 BCE. To save the hard-earned Republic, the close friend of Caesar, Brutus, hit the first blow on Caesar and 22 others joined him to murder popular and ambitious warrior of Rome.