Mayor Balen faces backlash for controversial poem comparing farmers to “Filth”

KATHMANDU: Kathmandu Metropolitan City Mayor Balen Shah is facing widespread criticism on social media after a controversial line in one of his poems described farmers as “filth.”

The line, which appeared in a poem posted on his official Facebook account on Monday, has sparked outrage across various platforms, with many accusing the mayor of disrespecting the very people who sustain the nation.

The specific line from the poem reads: “Cool like water, soft like a flower, neither gold nor brass, filthy like a farmer.”
— a verse that has been widely condemned as derogatory and insensitive.

Social media users have taken strong exception to the analogy, saying it undermines the hard work and dignity of farmers, who are the backbone of Nepal’s economy and food security.

Screenshots of the poem are circulating online, accompanied by comments denouncing the mayor’s choice of words.

One user wrote, “We eat because of the sweat of farmers. Calling them ‘filthy’ is failing to recognize who the real filth in this country is.” Another commented, “What kind of mindset sees farmers as filth? The very food you eat is produced by those same farmers. They are not filthy — they are hardworking.”

Many have said the remark reflects a lack of maturity and empathy, particularly coming from someone in a high public office. Critics argue that using the word “filth” to describe farmers is a serious insult to their contributions and sacrifices.

As the backlash grows, political observers and citizens alike are questioning Mayor Shah’s judgment and urging public figures to be more mindful of their words — especially when addressing sensitive subjects like agriculture and the rural population.

So far, Mayor Shah has not issued an apology or clarification regarding the controversial line in his poem.