One of the slogans raised during these marches is ‘‘Senahoo saath deu, rajalai maar deu (Army support us in getting the King out)’’.

‘‘It is nothing short of a complete revolution,’’ says journalist Chandeshwar Jha, who is also part of the movement. ‘‘Government servants too have started contributing from their salaries.’’

Despite the King’s offer to hand over power to the alliance parties, the protesters are in no mood to relent, demanding abolition of monarchy and restoration of complete democracy.

Immediately after Gyanendra finished his address to

the nation last evening—‘‘clearing the way for democracy’’—people were out in large numbers on the streets of Birgunj, Nepal’s financial capital.

They organised a ‘‘blackout’’, putting off their lights and burning tyres.