Prachanda warns popularity politics threatens democracy, socialism

KATHMANDU: Nepali Communist Party (NCP) Coordinator Pushpa Kamal Dahal, popularly known as Prachanda, has criticized the rise of thoughtless “popularity politics,” warning that it poses a threat to both democracy and socialism.

Addressing a program in Kathmandu on Monday, Dahal declared that his party, united under the new election symbol ‘Tara (Star)’, is ready to confront the nation’s current crises.

He took aim at social media-driven “stunts” and the trend of popularity-seeking, saying that attempts to undermine democracy and socialism are increasingly based on empty rhetoric rather than political thought, ideology, or historical understanding.

Dahal described this phenomenon as a Nepali version of international geopolitical manipulations and imperialism-driven popularity politics.

Dahal asserted that the NCP remains the party carrying the “freshest ideas” in support of the republic, federalism, and the rights of marginalized communities. Referring to the “Gen-Z” movement and its resulting unique circumstances, he stressed the need for a strong national force in the country. To meet this need, he said, 26 smaller parties—leftist, socialist, and nationalist—came together to form the Nepali Communist Party.

He emphasized that, in today’s complex political landscape, elections are the best avenue for people’s voices to be heard, and a newly elected representative assembly can most effectively address youth demands.

Regarding the party’s new election symbol, ‘Star’, Dahal instructed party workers to clearly inform voters. While social media remains a tool for outreach, he argued that direct interaction with the public and door-to-door campaigns remain the most effective methods for influencing voters.