KATHMANDU, Jan. 5: The address to the people by His Majesty King Gyanendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev at the civic reception function in Biratnagar was filled with nationalistic feeling, say political observers.

This should be the guiding principle for all of us if we want to move ahead on the path of progress, said analysts and observers who included former ministers.They were sharing their observation about the content of the Royal Address at an interaction with the journalists in Kathmandu today.

They said that the expression in the Royal Address that “Nepal’s monarchy in the 21st century is for democracy, democracy is for the country’s development, and both monarchy and democracy are for a prosperous future of the country” was the most significant and meaningful.

Former minister Dr. Ramsharan Mahat said that the message for talks and unity was positive. “Our conduct should be directed towards that direction,” he said. Mahat added that the Royal Address had nothing controversial and debatable.

Former minister Prakash Man Singh said that the people had heard too many sweet promises in the last 12 years, and in this context His Majesty’s call not to let petty interests divide us has a very positive message. It guides everyone to walk together on the path of harmony and unity, Singh added. 
He said if the spirit of the Royal Address could be translated into practice it will help the nation come out of the current political situation.

Another ex-minister Nilambar Acharya viewed that the suggestion of seeking a solution to the problems through dialogue, as mentioned in the Royal Address, is a substantive point. ”It is timely and substantive,” he said.

Acharya believed that if the points mentioned in the address are materilised, the present problems could head for a resolution of the existing problem and restoring normalcy and reconciliation in the country.

Omkar Shrestha, also an ex-minister, said the commitment to democracy and constitutional monarchy in the Royal Address was positive. This has sent a message to the political parties to unite and not indulge in bickering.

“The Royal Address asks all to come together and sort out the problems the country is facing,” he said, adding His Majesty has stressed for intimate relations between the people and the monarch. If all work according to the spirit of the Royal Address, the present confusion could be ended, he added.
President of the Federation of Nepalese Journalists Taranath Dahal said that no political force should miss the opportunity for talks.

His Majesty’s expressions could stimulate all the political forces to minimuse the misunderstanding and replace conflict with harmony, he said.

Professor Pitambar Sharma Dahal said the the King’s commitment to democracy has been reiterated, and it has made all suspicions about it unfounded. “The King has expressed comaraderie toward the people, and His Majesty’s only intention was that patriotism should be the basis of resolving all feuds.” His Majesty’s deep commitment for democracy has been reitarated, said Prof. Dahal.
Meanwhile, RSS adds Nepal Hariyali Party has expressed complete confidence in the statement of His Majesty the King that monarchy in the 21st century cannot be anti-democratic.

A press release published by the party here today said that the responsibility of safeguarding democracy, strengthening national unity and promoting nationalism has befallen on the shoulders of Constitutional Monarchy.

This is a time when the parties which framed the Constitution of 1990 are sometimes talking about respect for monarchy, and sometimes talking irresponsibly and in an unprincipled and threatening manner about destroying it and joining hands with the republican forces indulging in violent politics, it has been stated further in the release.

The press release issued after a meeting of the executive committee of the Hariyali Party here today further states that as the party believes in Constitutional Monarchy, multi-party democracy, a clean political environment and corruption-free governance, it fully supports His Majesty the King’s address to the huge gathering of people at Biratnagar.

The fact that monarchy in Nepal is popular among the masses and has conducted affairs in line with the aspirations of the people has been vindicated once again by the gathering at Biratnagar, and the Hariyali Party Nepal thanks the people of the eastern region for their continued faith and confidence in monarchy, it has also been mentioned.

The statement of His Majesty King Gyanendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev at the Biratnagar civic reception calling for no division on Constitutional Monarchy, multiparty democracy and minor issues related to the development of the country has been welcomed by the 23rd meeting of the Nepal Samata Party held here today.