Kathmandu (AsiaNews) – The Nepali government is pursuing its actions against the centuries-old Shah dynasty in anticipation of abolishing sooner or alter the monarchy. The latest step came last week when the cabinet decided to confiscate and nationalise all seven royal palaces, including Narayanhity Royal Palace in the capital Kathmandu, which is the current residence of King Gyanedra Birbikram Shahadev.
Nepal’s king and his family however “may stay there till the government’s next decision", said Krishna Bahadur Mahara, government spokesperson and Information and Communication Minister.
Moreover, in the event that the monarchy is abolished and replaced by a republic, the government said Gyanendra would be allowed to keep any property he held before he ascended to the throne.
This is the first time the authorities have taken over royal property. Narayanhiti Palace will be used by the government whilst the other six—Hanumandhoka Palace in Kathmandu, Patan Palace in Lalitpur (5 km south-west of the capital), Bhaktapur Palace (15 km south), Gorkha Palace (200 km west), Lamjung Palace (300 km west) and Nuwakot Palace (60 km north)—will be managed by the Nepali Department of Archaeology, Mr Mahara said.
Patan, Hanumandhoka and Gorkha Palaces are on the UNESCO`s list of world heritage sites.
Maoists began a revolt against the Nepali monarchy in 1996. They are now in the government and have demanded an end to the monarchy.