Social Media ‘Stunts’ and ‘Populism’ Pose a Threat to Democracy: Prachanda

Kathmandu — Pushpa Kamal Dahal “Prachanda,” coordinator of the Nepali Communist Party, said that thoughtless “populism” is attacking both democracy and socialism.

Addressing a program in Kathmandu on Monday, he declared that his party, along with the unity of 26 parties and the new election symbol “star,” is ready to face the national crisis.

Dahal criticized “stunts” and populism on social media. He said that even without ideas, politics, or history, some are trying to undermine democracy and socialism solely through social media tactics. He described this as the Nepali version of international geopolitical maneuvering and imperialism spreading populism. Prachanda claimed that his party, which fights for the republic, federalism, and the rights of oppressed groups, is the political force with the most “new” ideas.

Chair Dahal emphasized the need for a strong national force to respond to the “Gen-Z” movement and the unique circumstances arising from it. To meet that need, he said, leftists, socialists, and patriots were united to form the Nepal Communist Party out of 26 small and large parties.

He said that in the current complex political situation, elections are the best means to reach the people and that a newly endorsed House of Representatives can address the demands of youth.

He stated, “Whether one has ideas, politics, principles, history, or legacy — or not — performing stunts on social media alone, populism, like a form of popularism, is being presented worldwide by imperialism to attack democracy and socialism. In Nepal as well, it seems like the same international geopolitical phenomenon — the so-called ‘International J’ phenomenon — is being repeated, and attempts are being made to intervene here to strike at democracy.”