The ruling CPN-UML has objected to former king Gyanendra Shah’s recent New Year message, criticising his remarks as an attempt to undermine the achievements of the republic and glorify violent acts.

At a secretariat meeting held at the party’s central office in Chyasal on Monday, UML leaders reviewed Shah’s video message released on Sunday, in which he praised what he described as the growing “public awakening” among Nepalis. The party interpreted the comments as a veiled endorsement of violent incidents at Tinkune.

Video journalist Suresh Rajak and a Kirtipur resident Sabin Maharjan lost their lives while scores of others sustained serious injuries during the protest organised by pro-monarchy forces at Tinkune, Kathmandu on March 28. Also the unruly protesters resorted to vandalism and arson at and around Tinkune.

Pradeep Gyawali, deputy general secretary of the party, said after the meeting that the party views Shah’s statement as part of a continuing attempt to revive the monarchy and reverse the country’s democratic course.

“His remarks reflect a lingering hope that the monarchy could be restored, and that the progress achieved by the people could be undone,” Gyawali said.

The UML particularly condemned the former king’s reference to the March 28 incident, where violence erupted during a rally organised by monarchy supporters.

“If looting, vandalism of private property, attacks on government and political party offices, and arson are to be seen as signs of public awakening, then that is highly objectionable,” Gyawali said. “Such criminal acts must not be justified or glorified.”

In his message, Shah stated, “We view the awareness and consciousness developing among the Nepali people regarding the nation and their future positively.”

The UML also dismissed recent speculation about a change in government, sparked by remarks from the CPN (Maoist Centre) chair Pushpa Kamal Dahal. The governing party said the current ruling coalition remains stable and that there is no truth in the rumours about government change.

“The talk of the government change is neither relevant nor possible at this time,” Gyawali said. “Chair Dahal’s statements seem to stem from a sense of frustration at being outside the government.”

He added that such remarks only serve to mislead the public and reflect an obsession with power. “To focus solely on changing the government while ignoring broader national concerns is nothing more than a display of lust for power,” Gyawali said.

The latest statement from the deposed king came as lawmakers from major political forces, among others, have demanded that the government hold Shah responsible for the violence claiming that he was the mastermind behind the recent demonstrations including the Tinkune protest.