Overview
- Gyanendra Shah returned to Kathmandu from eastern Nepal and waved to supporters from his car en route to his private residence.
- Thousands gathered outside Tribhuvan International Airport under a heavy police presence, and authorities reported no arrests.
- Cadres of the Rastriya Prajatantra Party and other royalist groups, including figures Kamal Thapa, Navaraj Subedi and Durga Prasai, joined the show of support, with Prasai urging restoration before the March 5 election.
- The rally comes ahead of parliamentary polls in which pro-Gyanendra groups that previously held about 5% of seats aim to increase their representation.
- Large royalist turnouts were recorded last year, including one estimated at 10,000 people, and another demonstration that turned violent with two deaths.