In a major political upheaval, King Gyanendra of Nepal staged a coup d'état, seizing control of the government on February 1, 2005. This action followed a long period of tension and conflict between the monarchy and the multi-party democratic system that had been in place since the 1990s. With mounting dissatisfaction over the government's handling of a Maoist insurgency that had plagued the nation for nearly a decade, Gyanendra dissolved the democratically elected parliament and dismissed the cabinet, assuming the title of Chairman of the Council of Ministers. Gyanendra's regime, which was supposed to restore stability, arrested several key political leaders, including the Prime Minister and opposition figures, to consolidate power.

The king declared a state of emergency, which suspended civil liberties and restricted the press, all in an effort to quell dissent and restore order. He claimed that Nepal's political parties were unable to manage the country’s challenges and that a stronger monarchy was necessary to fight the Maoist insurgency. However, the actions taken by Gyanendra were met with significant opposition from various sectors of society, including political parties and civil society organizations, leading to increased protests and a resurgence of democratic movements across the country.

This coup was a critical moment in Nepalese politics and significantly contributed to the ongoing conflict with Maoist rebels, further complicating the path towards peace and democracy. The repercussions of the coup were felt not only within Nepal but also drew international criticism, raising concerns about the future of democracy and human rights in the region.