Controversy Over Yogi Adityanath’s Image at Former King Gyanendra’s Welcome Rally

A banner featuring the image of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath was displayed at the welcome rally for former King Gyanendra Shah without the consent or discussion of the main organizers. The rally, held in Kathmandu upon the former king’s return from Pokhara after a month-long stay, was orchestrated by key figures such as Kamal Thapa and Rajendra Lingden of the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP), along with Durga Prasai. Additionally, various individuals independently urged citizens to participate in the gathering.

Among the numerous banners displayed at the event, one featuring Yogi Adityanath’s photo stood out, reportedly sponsored by Pradeep Bikram Rana. Some attendees justified its inclusion by highlighting the spiritual connection between the Gorakhnath sect and the Shah dynasty. Given that Adityanath is also a disciple of Gorakhnath, certain participants argued that his image was relevant in the context of the rally.

Pradeep Bikram Rana, the individual responsible for the banner, is a long-time leader within the RPP. However, RPP spokesperson Mohan Kumar Shrestha clarified that Rana is no longer associated with the party. He had previously contested against Kamal Thapa for the party presidency in the 2073 BS general convention but was defeated. Since then, he has remained unaffiliated with the party’s leadership.

Leaders from both RPP and RPP Nepal have distanced themselves from Rana, stating that he does not belong to either faction. RPP Nepal General Secretary Rajaram Bartaula also reaffirmed that Rana has not been involved with Kamal Thapa or the party since his electoral defeat in 2073 BS. With multiple royalist factions present at the demonstration, no single entity has taken responsibility for the display of the banner, leading to confusion over who was accountable for its presence at the event.