KATHMANDU, Oct 26: King Gyanendra Friday appointed his only son Paras as Nepal’s new crown prince in a decision which commentators said had been delayed because of popular resentment about the prince.

The appointment of 29-year-old Paras, officially announced by state-run radio, came as Nepalis were preoccupied with celebrating the climax of the important Hindu festival of Dasain or Durga Puja.

The role had been left vacant since June 1 when King Birendra, Queen Aishwarya and seven other members of the royal family were slain at their palace in a shooting spree carried out by their drunken son, crown prince Dipendra.

Dipendra later shot himself and Gyanendra, Birendra’s younger brother, became king.

Normally, a new crown prince is appointed soon after a new king ascends the throne but Gyanendra’s coronation was marked by street protests in Kathmandu as people complained about the unsuitability of his son.

One student body put out a statement saying Paras would not make a suitable crown prince because he had been linked to criminal acts.

He was allegedly involved in a hit-and-run accident last year which left a popular singer dead and sparked protests among a population which regards its royals with great respect.

There was immediate speculation that Paras’ appointment would lead to more street protests after Dasain.

“People may take to the streets after the festival because Paras is not very popular among the people for his irresponsible behaviour,” said college student Ram Sharma.

Paras kept a low profile after the royal massacre and during the demonstrations that followed, but in the past few weeks he has been seen by his father’s side at a number of official functions.

And in Kathmandu Friday, most people seemed to accept the king’s decision to make his son the crown prince.

Commentator and member of Nepal’s Human Rights Commission, Kapil Shrestha, said: “Once we have accepted King Gyanendra as our king we should not be surprised that he has declared his legitimate son as the crown prince and heir apparent.

“Of course crown prince Paras was a spoilt brat in the past but we hope he will correct himself after receiving the responsibility.

“We want to see him a changed person and he should behave correctly before the public eyes.” Businessman Shambhu Singh said he had thought Paras would become crown prince, but not so soon.—AFP