Former king Gyanendra Shah has remarked that politics of negation thrives in the country, warning that such tactics would only fuel dissatisfaction among the disgruntled communities.

Shah was ousted in 2008 by the first Constituent Assembly. He has since been dissatisfied with the political changes, enshrined in the republican constitution adopted last year.

Addressing the Grand Convention of the Hindus organised by the World Hindu Federation at Bankali in the Pashupati area on Thursday, the deposed king said the politics of negation would instigate a feeling of rebellion in the oppressed communities. Many groups, mainly the Madhesis and Janajatis, have been agitated against some provisions of the charter.

Shah said the current political situation has caused despair among the people. “The ongoing state of hopelessness has caused everyone to seriously ponder over the country’s state of affairs.”

Stating that Nepal had always been a source of inspiration for ancient traditions of Hinduism and Buddhism, the former Hindu monarch said “dark clouds are hovering over the traditions and culture”.

He stressed the need for unity and revival of the age-old tradition. “Religion and culture are the life force of a country. It is necessary to conserve them for the sake of the nation’s existence.”