In the face of growing criticism of King Gyanendra’s planned birthday bash, the organisers of the reception have said they do not plan to bring any change in their schedule.

“We will gather in Tundikhel and silently and peacefully go to the palace to greet the King,” former minister and co-chair of the organising committee Dr. Durga Pokharel told BBC Nepali Service.

“There will not be any amendment or change in our plan,” she said, adding, “Those who want to uphold the value of freedom of expression should respect others’ freedom of expression as well.”

She said that there was no reason for anyone to get upset over their plan to greet the King on his birthday. “We are not trying to advocate autocratic monarchy or anything like that. We believe that for the independence of this nation, institution of monarchy is essential,” she said.

On the issue of rejection of King’s invitation by various ambassadors, she said that nobody has invited them. “To my knowledge, nobody has sent invitations to them anyway,” she said.

Student and youth organisations of eight political parties have decided to ask the government to forbid the palace from hosting public reception. They have said that since the constitution does not recognise the King, he should not organise the party in his capacity as the monarch. The students have also decided to hold demonstrations on Saturday. The royal palace is said to be preparing to celebrate the 61 st birthday of King Gyanendra by holding various programmes and parties on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.