Social Media Influencing Nepali Politics

In the past, it was in teashops that people gathered to gossip about political leaders, their parties, and their interests. Those who spent considerable time in these teashops could easily predict which party had won the hearts of the general public. For several years, the people in teashops maintained that if any party cared for the citizens, it was the Maoists, thanks to their groundbreaking revolution. Whether people remained content with its outcomes is another matter entirely. As time passed, the political narratives shifted quickly, and the Nepali Congress and CPN-UML began to dominate national politics. After their strong presence, the Maoists struggled to regain their initial appeal, with the majority turning to NC or UML. 

The teashops across the country no longer echoed with praise for the Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' or his significant role in turning Nepal into a democratic republic. Prachanda lost the people's trust, unable to meet their expectations. As a result, the Nepali Congress president Sher Bahadur Deuba and CPN-UML chairman and Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli—were expected to change the nation's fate. Thus, these two leaders, as heads of the two largest parties, maintained power-sharing for a longer period, with Prachanda and others occasionally taking a turn at the prime ministerial chair. 

 Oli's strong response to the economic blockade imposed by India put him in the spotlight. He stood his ground when border controversies surfaced and was then considered to have the "heart of a lion." His fans fondly call him "KP Ba". He is known for his witty remarks and idioms striking a chord with people of all ages. 

At that time, the internet was not as accessible as it is today. Teashops continued to serve as spaces for political discourse, and people relied on newspapers to understand trends and opinions. However, with the advent of seamless internet access, the way people consumed news and debated politics shifted abruptly. This shift became even more pronounced during the coronavirus lockdown, when internet usage surged and the majority began relying on online platforms to read and share opinions. It would not be wrong to say that the internet has had a huge influence on politics over the last decade. Left with no other options, political parties and top leaders were compelled to actively participate on social media, posting and engaging with people to stay relevant in national politics. 

In many ways, social media platforms have become the meeting points for politicians, cadres, activists, journalists, and others. Today, platforms like Facebook and X are integral to how top leaders communicate with the general public and party members. This digital shift has brought significant benefits but also challenges. The reliability of information is often questioned, and if not handled carefully, a reputation built over a lifetime can be ruined in an instant. Security concerns and effective social media management demand a separate discourse altogether. 

 A closer look at Nepal’s political dynamics over the last decade reveals the role of social media in shaping modern politics—politics heavily influenced by the internet, where tech-savvy Nepalis favour leaders proficient in social media management. As controversial as it might seem, many of the populist figures who have recently emerged in Nepal’s political landscape owe their success to platforms like Facebook and the internet, often without prior connections to politics. A prime example is Balen Shah, the current mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City, who rose to prominence and won the mayoral election largely due to his social media presence. This isn’t to say that traditional parties played no role in his success. Had the older politicians delivered on their promises, figures like Balen Shah might never have considered contesting the election.

 If one’s memory is good enough, they can recall that Routine of Nepal Banda (RONB), a popular page on Facebook, promoted Balen Shah’s electoral campaign in such a way that it left his rivals dumbfounded. It’s a perfect instance of how social media has shaped Nepali politics in the past five years or so. 

Prior to the mayoral election in Kathmandu, appreciation posts about Balen Shah appeared so frequently, and the comments were always full of praise. Nowadays, you don’t need to visit teashops to understand the people’s choices. All you need to do is open an application on your phone, and you’ll get an idea of which leader is in the hearts of the public. Comments and posts on social media offer valuable insights into people’s preferences. 

It is ironic that even seasoned politicians are now bent on drawing potential voters through social media posts. Of late, figures like KP Sharma Oli and Prachanda have been actively engaged on Facebook in a bid to gain young supporters. In the current scenario, gauging public reactions on social media, KP Sharma Oli has been on the receiving end of criticism, accused of carrying out a political vendetta against Rabi Lamichhane. Lamichhane, chairperson of RSP, is currently under investigation for charges related to a cooperative scam and organised crime. 

 Of course, people on social media have been sympathising with him, but a more scrupulous observation reveals that his supporters have declined for various reasons. And, mind you, one doesn’t need to roam around teashops to learn this! 

 Let’s talk a bit about who is actually facing snide remarks on Facebook these days. Gagan Thapa, who has always been considered a bright prospect of the NC, is getting trolled for a statement he made at a public gathering last week. Thapa, currently the general secretary of the NC, remarked that youths could earn lakhs of rupees using a laptop without moving an inch from the hills of Kirtipur. The craze for politics on social media is not just limited to the Himalayan terrains but goes beyond national boundaries. For instance, social media trends even alluded to the possibility of Donald Trump championing the presidential election in the US. 

 As every political leader in Nepal is eyeing the much-hyped mission ‘84,’ it will be interesting to see how they handle these digital platforms. What’s certain is that they can’t afford to face criticism on social media, because by now, everyone has grasped what it means to appear untainted—even if it’s just on social media. 

(Gautam is a writer from Pokhara.)