In a surprising turn of events, a digital campaign to “unfollow” Nepal’s Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has taken social media by storm. Supporters of Kathmandu Metropolitan Mayor Balen Shah, commonly known as Balen, have rallied behind him after a public spat between Balen and members of the CPN-UML party, leading to a dramatic decline in KP Oli’s Facebook followers.
The controversy began when Balen posted a critical status on Facebook, accusing Rekha Kumari Sharma, a provincial MP from the CPN-UML (Lumbini Province), of exploiting child labor. Balen expressed his frustration, pointing out that no action had been taken against the lawmaker despite clear violations of labor laws, particularly the Muluki Criminal Code Act 2074, which prohibits the use of children as domestic workers.
Facebook Status Removal
Following Balen’s post, the tension escalated when the status suddenly disappeared from his Facebook page. On Tuesday, Balen responded with a fiery follow-up post, claiming that his previous status had been forcibly removed. He doubled down on his stance, challenging the government to arrest the wrongdoers instead of suppressing his voice on social media.
The Unfollow Campaign Against KP Sharma Oli
Balen’s followers took matters into their own hands, launching a social media campaign to unfollow KP Sharma Oli on Facebook. The campaign gained significant traction, with thousands of people unfollowing Oli’s official page. By Wednesday afternoon, Oli’s Facebook followers had plummeted from 663,000 to 592,000.
Balen’s Stand on Child Labor
Balen Shah has consistently advocated for stronger action against child labor and exploitation. His stance against MP Rekha Sharma aligns with his broader goals as the mayor of Kathmandu, where he has pushed for reforms and justice for vulnerable populations. Balen’s demand for legal action against Sharma reflects his commitment to these causes, even as he faces opposition from CPN-UML members.
CPN-UML’s Response
CPN-UML leaders and supporters have rushed to defend MP Rekha Sharma and criticize Balen’s methods. They argue that the mayor’s accusations lack sufficient evidence and have taken to social media to criticize his governance. The online spat between Balen and the UML party has only intensified the situation, drawing even more public attention.
Impact and Social Media Backlash
The campaign to unfollow KP Sharma Oli marks a significant moment in Nepal’s political landscape, where social media influence is increasingly shaping public opinion. While the unfollow campaign may not directly impact KP Oli’s political career, it sends a strong message about the power of online activism and how quickly support can shift in today’s digital age.
Conclusion:
The Balen vs. KP Oli Facebook unfollow campaign has highlighted the growing role of social media in Nepalese politics. As the feud continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how both leaders will navigate the public discourse and whether any legal actions will follow the accusations against MP Rekha Sharma. For now, this incident stands as a reminder of how quickly the tides can turn in the digital age, where social media campaigns can shape political narratives.
