Dr Dhawal Shumsher Rana, who has started a new political journey after leaving the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP), has met former King Gyanendra Shah.
Rana said they discussed contemporary issues during the meeting.
Speaking to Onlinekhabar, Rana said he had a “long conversation” with Shah after meeting him following a long gap. They discussed the country’s current situation, political developments and other contemporary issues.
Rana said the former king wished him well and urged him to move forward by bringing everyone together.
Appearing encouraged after the meeting, Rana said his newly formed Jai Nepal Party would expand its organisation across the country and participate in the upcoming local-level elections.
Edited excerpts of the conversation:
You have released a photograph of yourself meeting former King Gyanendra Shah. When did the meeting take place?
We met yesterday evening.
Where did you meet?
There was a Himani Trust programme at the Soaltee Hotel yesterday. We met there.
What did you discuss?
We discussed contemporary issues, particularly the country’s current political and social situation. We talked about what is happening in the country and the overall situation.
Was it a long conversation?
We were meeting after a long time, so the conversation was quite long. I also informed him about our party’s decision to move forward by creating public support for the monarchy and a Hindu state.
What was the former king’s response?
He said, “That’s fine, keep doing it. Do it properly. Move forward by bringing everyone together,” and wished us well.
What were his main concerns?
The former king is concerned about the country. He has a positive outlook and wants the country to move forward and all Nepalis to be happy.
It is natural for him to be interested in what is happening in the country, what we are doing and how we are moving forward.
You left the RPP and then tried to work with Durga Prasai. After that did not work out, you are now trying to move forward by forming a separate party. Did you discuss this as well?
Not particularly. I informed him about my activities. I have no relationship with the RPP anymore. I have already left the party. I did not discuss the RPP.
When I informed him that things had not worked out with Durga Prasai, he simply smiled. He did not make any comment.
How did the former king advise you to move forward?
He does not personally tell anyone, “You should move forward this way.” His view is that everyone should be included and taken forward together.
He has a positive outlook that all ethnic groups, cultures and communities should be included.
The former king does not speak negatively about others. He talks about bringing together all religions, cultures and communities. Speaking negatively about others is not his habit.
How do you view the government’s performance at present?
The hope and expectations people had from this government are gradually declining. They come forward saying they will do many things, but then seem to reach a situation where they have to backtrack.
Right now, we all feel that the Balen government appears to be heading towards failure. Whether it is due to a lack of experience or something else, the government does not appear to be delivering.
Based on my own experience of being elected to local government, I can say that a lot can be done at the local level. In fact, public service can be delivered most effectively through local governments. That is why we will prioritise local governments in our programmes.
They are moving ahead in their own way. There seems to be a sense of arrogance among RSP leaders that they know everything and can do everything. As far as I know, they do not appear to have consulted anyone either.
If they asked for your advice, what would you tell them?
Anyone doing something in the national interest should be viewed positively. I am a positive person.
But I am not someone who goes around saying, “This is my suggestion” or “This is my advice” when nobody has asked for it.
What are your party’s priorities and programmes now?
Our priority now is to build an organisation across the country.
We have already decided to form ad hoc district committees in all 77 districts during Bhadra and Ashoj. We will also establish mass organisations, departments and committees representing youth, women and Gen Z, among others.
Alongside this, we plan to bring forward people with clean reputations, honesty, and the ability and willingness to do something for their respective local governments in the local-level elections.
We are calling on such people to join our party and contest the local elections as candidates.
Based on my own experience of being elected to local government, I can say that a lot can be done at the local level. Public service can be delivered effectively through local governments. Therefore, we will prioritise local governments in our programmes.
So, is your party preparing to participate in the upcoming local-level elections?
Absolutely. We are moving forward with preparations to participate in the local-level elections.
Our plan is to expand our organisation across the country and field people with clean reputations and integrity as candidates.
