Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) president Rajendra Lingden has called for a democratic system that can accommodate the king. Speaking at a programme organised by the RPP in Balkhu on Tuesday, Lingden called for a new national consensus that would allow monarchists and republicans to coexist.

Lingden proposed a system where the King could serve as a guardian while the prime minister would be directly elected by the people. He also advocated for a more robust local governance system and the eradication of corruption in the political structure.

The RPP chair expressed frustration over the government’s refusal to allow his party to hold a rally at Bhrikuti Mandap, Kathmandu, claiming that the government feared a peaceful demonstration, despite only a few thousand expected participants.

Lingden warned that if the government’s suppression of peaceful protests continued, his party could encircle Baluwatar and block its supplies. He also called for immediate release of senior RPP leaders, including vice-chair Rabindra Mishra and general secretary Dhawal Shamsher Rana, who have been detained by the authorities after the pro-monarchy protests of March 28.

“We are committed to peaceful protest, but we question the government’s response to a show of dissent,” Lingden said. He pointed to the violent actions of the Maoists during their insurgency, stating, “If necessary, we are ready to march into the jungles with thousands, but we are peace-loving.”

Lingden also warned not to underestimate RPP’s growing strength, especially at the provincial level, where six successful assemblies have already been held across the country.

The RPP chair criticised the government for its role in the violent clashes of March 28 in Tinkune, which resulted in the deaths of two people and numerous injuries. He accused the state of orchestrating the violence and demanded accountability from the Home Minister and the Chief of Police, alleging they had concealed the truth about the use of tear gas on protesters.

Former chair of RPP Pashupati Shumsher Rana expressed concern about the suppression of democratic rights and condemned the detention of party leaders engaged in peaceful protests. He argued that the government’s actions contradicted the 1990 political agreement that established democracy in Nepal.

Rana denounced the current political system, accusing it of corruption and mismanagement, and called for a proper investigation into the March 28 incidents.

RPP leader Prakash Chandra Lohani echoed these concerns, saying the current rulers exhibit “Ravan-like” tendencies by disregarding public opinion. He urged the government to release the detained party leaders and work to restore the country’s political stability.