The king promulgated the constitution of the kingdom of Nepal in 2015 BS. This constitution had 10 parts, 77 articles, and schedules. It made provisions for fundamental rights, an independent judiciary, bicameral parliament, public service commission, emergency power, etc. The elections to the lower house of parliament were started on Falun 7, 2015 BS. It took about two months to complete them. In these elections, the Nepali Congress won 74 seats out of 109 seats. Thus, it was in the absolute majority. So Bishweshwar Prasad Koirala, the Congress leader, was appointed Prime Minister by King Mahendra. He was sworn in only Ashadh 16, 2016 BS.
The First Elected Cabinet 2016 BS
This elected government was formed after nearly ten years of the advent of democracy in Nepal. It was the beginning of a stable and democratic political practice. Nepal just started to have socio-economic and political reformations. King Mahendra, who didn't like the multi-party democracy, took the opportunity on Poush 1, 2017 and made a speech broadcast on the radio announcing his takeover.
"Because of the misuse of the authority, corruption has increased, there is anarchy in the nation so that national unity is threatened. Random economic decisions have caused instability. In order to protect national unity, create peace and cooperation and to save the whole country we are forced to act according to Article 55 of the constitution and will suspend the cabinet, both houses of parliament and the party system. We will take sole responsibility as laid down in article 55 until a new system is put in place. With good wishes and support from all Nepalis, good governance will prove to be possible."
With this allegation, the king arrested the prime Minister, the ministers, and other leaders and put them in prison. This royal act is called the coup of 2017 BS. On Poush 1, 2017 BS he announced partyless Panchayat system.
Socio-economic Achievements from 2007 BS to 2017 BS
1. 5-year plan for development was introduced.
2. Land reform plan was implemented.
3. Birta abolition Act was passed.
4. Establishment of the supreme court.
5. Establishment of friendly relationship with the neighboring countries and various other countries of the world.
6. Kathmandu municipal elections were held.
7. Life standard of the ordinary people improved.
8. Civil Service Act, 2013 was passed.
9. Nepal Rastra Bank was established.
10. Education was available for general people, many schools and colleges were established.
11. Forests were nationalized.
12. Construction of highways began.
13. National and International air services started.
14. Telephone and telegram services were available.
Which were the suspended clauses of articles by late king Mahendra?
The suspended clauses of articles by king Mahendra were are as follows:
1. Party 2 (two) all articles
2. Party 3 (three) all articles
3. Party 4 (four) all articles except article 11
4. Party 5 (five) all articles except article 55
5. Party 9 (nine) except article 73 (seventy three) annexure 3 (three)
6. Party 10 (ten) all articles
What were the consequences of ambition of the late king Mahendra to have sole power in the country?
1. Party less Panchayat system started.
2. The agitation by the Nepali congress and other parties increased.
3. New constitution was made.
4. King Mahendra gained popularity for his work of keeping peace security and good governance.
5. India opposed this step but China welcomed it.
What achievement did Nepal made during the rule of late king Mahendra?
The achievement of the king Mahendra are listed below:
1. He introduced the first five year plan.
2. He introduced the Muluki Ain.
3. He constructed East- West highway and Araniko Highway.
4. He established Patan industrial estate.
5. He established Tribhuvan University.
6. He introduced new education plan 2029 B.S.
7. He adopted non-aligned foreign policy.
Why 1st poush is regarded as black day?
On 1st Poush, 2017 B.S. king Mahendra dissolved the then government. He arrested B.P. Koirala and other ministers and imprisoned them. Further, he dissolved the Panchayat system and put ban on the political parties. The existing constitution was paralyzed. It was from this day onward that people had to struggle to restore democracy. Therefore, 1st Poush is regarded as the 'Black Day'.
How would you react on the prohibition on political parties if you were the member of the political party? Prepare a programme against the act of the king.
If I were the member of the political parties, I would react on the prohibition of political parties in the following ways:
1. I would join the meetings of the parties and plan opposition programme secretly.
2. I would arrange procession against the action of the king.
3. I would encourage every person to act against the king and his rule.
4. I would send recommendation letter to step down the power.
Why was panchayat ruling system against people? Present your logic in three points. Present two similarities and four differences between the political steps taken by king Mahendra on Poush 1, 2017 BS and the king Gyanedra on Magh 19, 2061 BS in a table.
Panchayat ruling system was founded by king Mahendra on Poush 1, 2017 BS. It was very undemocratic step of the king because it dismissed the elected government of B.P. Koirala, suppressed people's rights and initiated party less panchayat system.
Because of the following points, Panchayat ruling system was against the people.
1. All the democratic norms and values were paralyzed and political parties were restricted.
2. People were provided with no fundamental rights and panchayat based constitution was enacted.
3. There was no rule of law, as the king himself would make decisions in every state mater.
The two similarities between the political steps taken by king Mahendra on Poush 1, 2017 BS and by King Gyanendra on Magh 19, 2061 are:
1. The steps of both were undemocratic and had suspended the elected government.
2. People's rights were paralyzed and monopolistic ruling was begun in the king's premiership in the both ships.
The difference between the steps of king Mahendra and Gyanendra are as follows.
1st Poush, 2017 Magh 19, 2061
(a) King Mahendra had banned on the political parties and initiated the Panchayat.
(a) King Gyanendra had only restricted the activities of political parties.
(b) The constitution if 2015 BS was entirely suspended.
(b) Only some articles were paralyzed in constitution of 2048 BS.
(c) Party less panchayat was begun. (c) No any such system was introduced.
(d) Most of the political leaders were imprisoned.
(d) The major leaders were kept in home imprisonment.
Late King Mahendra abducted democracy on Paush 1, 2017BS. How would you have responded if we were asked to support his step? Why? Write in a sentence.
If I were asked to support Late King Mahendra's abduction of democracy on Poush 1 2017 BS, I would not have supported him. But I would have definitely requested him that it would be better for the long run of Shah Dynasty if you could be in throne being respected instead of seizing the power of people.