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Gyanendra to stay in Nepal

— PHOTO: AP

END OF DYNASTY: Nepal’s deposed King Gyanendra and Queen Komal leave the Narayanhiti palace, in Kathmandu on Wednesday. The former King, who bade farewell to the throne held by the Shah dynasty for 240 years, said he had no plans to leave the country and would work for it. Earlier, in an emotional speech, he said he “respected” the Constituent Assembly’s decision to abolish monarchy.

KATHMANDU: Nepal’s former king Gyanendra vacated the Narayanhiti Palace on Wednesday.

He will now live in the Nagarjuna Palace, the modest summer retreat — a state property — with his wife Komal.

The 95-acre Narayanhiti Palace will soon become a museum, reminding the Nepalis that the monarchy is now history.

Reading a written statement in the palace hall, Gyanendra gave enough indications he might join politics.

He said: “I pledge to be completely dedicated to the independence and territorial integrity of the nation of Nepal, which was formed and has remained independent and sovereign because of the blood, sweat and sacrifice of the great ancestors.

— Photo courtesy: Chandra Shekhar Karki/Khatmandu Post

BOWING OUT: Nepal’s deposed King Gyanendra arrives to address the media at the Narayanhiti royal palace in Kathmandu on Wednesday.

“I am not going to flee the country. I would like to live in my own motherland and contribute in whatever way possible to greater good of the country and peace in this land.”

For the first time, Gyanendra accepted the verdict of the Constituent Assembly election. “Respecting the elections and the decision taken by the Constituent Assembly meeting on May 28, I am cooperating in every way towards the successful implementation of that decision.”

He, however, argued that he had not violated any law. “I have never infringed upon anyone’s rights,” he said. It was seen as an attempt to justify his bloodless coup through which he seized power on February 1, 2005. But he also accepted the failure of his political gamble. “The efforts started with the best of intentions of trying to ensure peace and prosperity in the country was not successful over time,” he said.

Gyanendra refuted allegations that he had a hand in the June 1, 2001 palace massacre, in which his elder brother Birendra and his family were killed.

“Even at that time, some people blamed and accused me and my family with great indiscretion and cruelty but we had no alternative but to tolerate that too,” he said.

Prerana Marasini reports:

Gyanendra refuted allegations that he had amassed wealth after taking over as king. He said he had preserved his forefathers’ property. “I have also heard false allegations that I have property abroad. All my property is in Nepal. I have no movable and immovable property abroad.”

He expressed the hope that he would be allowed to keep his private property like other civilians. He also thanked those people who helped him while he was the king.

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