A recent pro-monarchist rally in Kathmandu, Nepal, has sparked controversy due to the display of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s photographs alongside those of former King Gyanendra Shah. The event, organized to welcome Gyanendra upon his return from a religious tour, saw supporters advocating for the reinstatement of the monarchy, which was abolished in 2008.

The Rally and Display of Photographs

As Gyanendra, 77, arrived at Tribhuvan International Airport from Pokhara, hundreds of loyalists, including leaders and cadres of the pro-monarchist Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP), greeted him. Supporters, riding motorbikes and waving national flags, lined the roads outside the airport. Notably, some displayed photographs of Yogi Adityanath alongside Gyanendra’s images, a move that quickly drew criticism from various political factions and the public on social media.

Allegations and Denials

In response to the backlash, RPP spokesperson Gyanendra Shahi alleged that the display of Adityanath’s photograph was a deliberate attempt by the K P Oli-led government to malign the pro-monarchist movement through infiltration. He claimed that Bishnu Rimal, chief advisor to Prime Minister Oli, orchestrated the move. Rimal, however, refuted these allegations, stating that they were “an illusion created through disinformation by disqualified people who accidentally reached a responsible position.”

Background and Ongoing Pro-Monarchist Activities

Supporters of the former king have been actively rallying in various parts of Nepal, including Kathmandu and Pokhara, demanding the reinstatement of the monarchy. Their activities have intensified since Democracy Day in February, when Gyanendra remarked, “Time has come for us to assume responsibility to protect the country and bring about national unity.”

Public Reaction and Social Media Discourse

The incident has ignited debates on social media platforms, with users expressing diverse opinions on the display of Adityanath’s photographs at the rally. Some view it as an external influence on Nepal’s internal affairs, while others see it as a reflection of the deepening ties between certain political factions in Nepal and India.

The Congress party has taken a strong stance against the BJP’s declarations of peace and normalcy in Jammu and Kashmir. This came after three terror attacks in Reasi, Kathua, and Doda within three days, exposing what Congress describes as the BJP’s “hollow” claims.

Congress Questions PM’s Silence on J&K Attacks

Rahul Gandhi, a prominent Congress leader, voiced the nation’s demand for accountability from the BJP. He questioned why those plotting against the country have not been apprehended under BJP’s rule. Gandhi criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi for being preoccupied with congratulatory messages instead of addressing the grievous incidents in Jammu and Kashmir.

In a post on X, Gandhi lamented that while PM Modi celebrates, the cries of the victims’ families go unheard. He emphasized the severity of the recent attacks and the prime minister’s apparent indifference. Gandhi’s remarks highlight the increasing concerns about security in Jammu and Kashmir under the current government.

Congress leader Pawan Khera also criticized the prime minister’s silence. He noted that PM Modi seems to have time to respond to Pakistani leaders but has not addressed the brutal terror attacks. Khera condemned BJP’s boastful claims about restoring peace in the region, pointing out that the party did not even contest elections in the Kashmir valley, which he sees as evidence of their failed policies.

Khera highlighted the rise in terror incidents, particularly in Rajouri and Poonch districts. He asserted that national security has been compromised due to the government’s complacency. Innocent lives are at stake, and yet, according to Khera, the BJP continues with “business as usual.”

He recalled a horrific attack in Reasi district on a bus filled with pilgrims from the Shiv Khori Temple to Katra, resulting in nine deaths and 33 injuries. Khera stressed the need for the prime minister to offer sympathy and support to the victims’ families, which has been conspicuously absent.

Further, he pointed out another attack in Kathua, injuring a civilian, and an encounter in Doda where six security personnel and a civilian were injured. According to officials, terrorists fired at a joint checkpoint of the Rashtriya Rifles and police, indicating a serious lapse in security.

Khera accused PM Modi of being more interested in responding to congratulatory tweets from Pakistani leaders than addressing the terror attacks. He questioned why the prime minister has maintained silence on the issue and highlighted the increasing terrorist activities in the Pir Panjal Range, Rajouri, and Poonch areas, which have resulted in significant military casualties over the past two years.

Khera underscored that at least 19 major terror attacks have occurred on security installations under the Modi government, resulting in numerous fatalities. These attacks have targeted CRPF camps, army camps, an Air Force station, and military stations, among others. He also pointed out the Modi government’s controversial decision to invite the ISI to investigate the Pathankot attack in 2016.

Highlighting the Modi government’s track record, Khera mentioned that there have been 2,262 terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir under their tenure, leading to the deaths of 363 civilians and 596 jawans. He concluded by questioning the BJP’s commitment to national security and demanding a more proactive approach to addressing the ongoing threat of terrorism in the region.

The Congress party’s criticism underscores the ongoing debate over the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir and raises questions about the effectiveness of the BJP’s policies in ensuring peace and stability in the region.

Amit Malviya, the BJP’s IT cell chief, has taken legal action against Santanu Sinha, who claims to be an RSS activist, by filing a defamation suit worth Rs 10 crore. The lawsuit arises from allegations made by Sinha, accusing Malviya of sexual exploitation of women, which Malviya vehemently denies. The legal notice issued by Malviya seeks the removal of what he describes as false and derogatory social media posts.

BJP’s Amit Malviya

Malviya’s legal notice asserts that the accusations are not only false but also severely damaging to his dignity and reputation. As a public figure, such allegations, according to Malviya, can have far-reaching negative impacts on his professional and personal life. The notice emphasizes that the claims are baseless and have been made with malicious intent to tarnish his image.

RSS sources have distanced themselves from Sinha, stating that he has never been officially associated with their organization. This disassociation further complicates the narrative around the allegations, raising questions about Sinha’s motivations and affiliations.

In his social media post, Sinha alleged that Malviya was involved in the sexual harassment of women during his time in West Bengal. He claimed that political positions in Bengal BJP were being secured through the exploitation of women, although he later clarified that he was merely raising questions rather than making direct accusations. Sinha referenced past incidents where non-political figures were given political tickets, suggesting a pattern of unethical behavior within the party.

Malviya’s legal notice demands an unconditional apology from Sinha and the removal of the defamatory posts within three days. Failure to comply, the notice warns, will result in further legal actions, including both civil and criminal defamation proceedings, along with a demand for Rs 10 crore in damages.

The controversy has also drawn the attention of the Congress party. Congress leader Supriya Shrinate has called for Malviya’s removal from his position pending an independent investigation into the allegations. Shrinate accused Malviya of engaging in nefarious activities and called for justice for the alleged victims. She insisted that a fair and unbiased investigation is only possible if Malviya steps down from his role.

This case highlights the volatile intersection of politics and social media, where allegations can spread rapidly and have serious consequences. Malviya’s decision to pursue legal action underscores the high stakes involved for public figures accused of misconduct, as well as the challenges of addressing such claims in a politically charged environment.

The outcome of this legal battle could set a significant precedent for how defamation cases involving public figures and social media are handled in India. It also raises broader questions about accountability, the spread of misinformation, and the responsibilities of individuals when making public allegations.

As the situation unfolds, the political landscape in West Bengal and beyond will be closely watching the developments. The case not only affects the reputations of the individuals involved but also has potential implications for political dynamics within the BJP and its relationship with the RSS.

The demand for an apology and the threat of a substantial defamation suit serve as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of making unverified allegations in the digital age. Whether Sinha will retract his statements and issue an apology, or whether the matter will proceed to court, remains to be seen. In the meantime, the accusations have already sparked significant public and political debate, underscoring the sensitive nature of such claims and the importance of handling them with care and due process.