A prominent civil society group in Nepal, the Brihat Nagarik Andolan (BNA), has claimed that a "conspiracy" is underway to restore the monarchy under military mediation, amid ongoing political turmoil following the resignation of Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli. The allegations come as the Nepal Army assumed control of nationwide security operations on Tuesday, raising concerns about its expanding role in governance.

In a statement issued Thursday, the BNA alleged that reactionary forces are exploiting the recent Gen-Z protest movement, which led to at least 34 deaths during clashes with police, to push for the reinstatement of the monarchy—abolished in 2008—and to dismantle secularism, federalism, and proportional representation. The group called such efforts “completely unacceptable,” emphasizing that the anti-government protests, sparked by corruption allegations and a brief social media ban, were not intended to reverse Nepal’s republican framework.

The political crisis intensified after Oli resigned on Tuesday, following violent protests in Kathmandu where hundreds stormed his office, demanding accountability for deaths during demonstrations against corruption and the social media ban, which was lifted Monday night. President Ramchandra Paudel accepted Oli’s resignation but tasked his cabinet with governing until a new Council of Ministers is formed, as political parties negotiate a transitional government.

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The BNA urged that any new government must adhere to the Constitution, combat corruption, and resist counter-revolutionary forces. Nepal’s history of political instability, coupled with recent economic challenges, has fueled pro-monarchy sentiments, with demonstrations resurfacing this year. However, the BNA stressed that the President, as the constitutional protector, should guide the nation toward stability while upholding the republic’s core principles.

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