Concept:
Nepal transitioned from an absolute monarchy to a constitutional monarchy in 1990. However, political instability followed, culminating in dramatic political developments in the early 2000s regarding the struggle between royal absolutism and democratic governance.
Step 1: Evaluation of Reason (R).
• In October 2002, King Gyanendra of Nepal revoked executive powers, dismissed the elected Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba and his government, citing the failure to contain the Maoist insurgency.
• In February 2005, the King took absolute control of the government, dissolved Parliament entirely, and suspended fundamental democratic rights.
• Thus, the statement that the King abolished the parliament and dismissed the elected government starting in 2002 is historically accurate.
• Therefore, Reason (R) is TRUE .
Step 2: Evaluation of Assertion (A).
• In response to the autocratic royal takeover and the suspension of democracy, major political parties formed the Seven Party Alliance (SPA) and joined hands with Maoist insurgents.
• In April 2006 , massive, unprecedented nationwide pro-democracy protests, strikes, and popular demonstrations broke out across Nepal demanding the restoration of democracy and Parliament.
• Therefore, Assertion (A) is TRUE .
Step 3: Establishing the cause-and-effect relationship.
• Why did the massive pro-democracy protests take place in April 2006? Precisely because King Gyanendra had subverted democratic constitutional governance by dissolving Parliament and taking absolute autocratic control starting in 2002.
• Hence, Reason (R) directly explains the primary cause behind Assertion (A).
Step 4: Conclusion.
Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true, and Reason (R) is the correct explanation of Assertion (A). Option (A) is correct.