UP CM Yogi Adityanath's picture used in pro-monarchy rally

Kathmandu, March 9 — A political controversy has erupted after a rally organized by the Rashtriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) and other groups at Tribhuvan International Airport to welcome former King Gyanendra Shah included an image of India's Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. 

The rally, which was staged by royalists, prominently displayed a banner featuring both Yogi Adityanath and former King Gyanendra Shah, with the slogan "Restore the Monarchy" written on it.

The image of Yogi Adityanath, the Chief Minister of India's Uttar Pradesh, was displayed alongside the former king’s photo, which drew significant attention.

Bishnu Rimal, political advisor to Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, expressed concerns on his Facebook account regarding the use of Yogi Adityanath's image in a royalist rally.

He posted a picture of the two leaders, questioning the rationale behind the display of these photographs.

Moohan Shrestha, spokesperson for the RPP, responded by stating he was unaware of the rally or the images used, adding that it was unclear who had decided to use the picture of Yogi Adityanath.

This incident follows former King Gyanendra's recent visit to Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, where he met with Yogi Adityanath on January 30.

During his visit, King Gyanendra had delivered a message criticizing the current political system, emphasizing that he would not remain silent.

His comments spurred royalist supporters, who have since been organizing rallies in support of the former monarch.