Nepal’s former king is conquered by Bapu

Gyanendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev, who was the last king of Nepal before the Himalayan nation declared itself a republic, visited the Gandhi Ashram on Thursday.

The former King of Nepal is in Gujarat on a private visit. “I am on a personal visit to Gujarat,” said King Gyanendra. “I would be visiting some of my favourite places here. I met chief minister Narendra Modi and I am happy that he appreciates my desire to keep the visit very private.”

Sources said Gyanendra and Modi had discussions on various issues including the progress made by India in general and Gujarat in particular.

“I am humbled by this place,” Gyanendra said during his visit to the Ashram. “Here, at the ashram, one finds oneself thinking on the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi. I am glad I could make this visit. For me, coming here is like doing penance.”

Gyanendra Dev was removed as King in 2006 by the democratically elected government of Nepal. The Communist Party of Nepal is in power in the former kingdom now.