Bharisman Punle States Political Forces Emerging from Social Media Lack Sustainability

Bharisman Punle, a Member of Parliament from the Nepal Communist Party, stated that political forces emerging from social media and digital platforms are not sustainable. He asserted that new powers arising solely through virtual means without a solid ideological and political foundation will soon collapse. Punle highlighted that the main challenge now is to make party workers and organizations technologically savvy. Dated 16 Jestha, Kathmandu.

Addressing an event held in Kathmandu on Saturday, he claimed such powers are bound to face quick decline. Reflecting on recent political trends, Punle remarked that these forces lack thoughtful leadership and a clear political base. He also pointed out that in the current digital era, agenda-setting happens through social media where no definitive leadership exists.

He mentioned that due to the influence of the virtual world, even when physical presence at polling stations during elections diminishes, the results can be unexpected. “The movements that have gained momentum so rapidly can also decline just as quickly. Tomorrow, established parties may once again take charge of the country and society,” he stated.

Key points made by Punle include: agendas are formed on digital platforms, social media, and communication outlets where participants are diverse and without centralized leadership. This process is so rapid and aggressive that it’s difficult to predict when and where it might explode. This situation is observable in Nepal currently. While fewer people may show up physically at polling stations, the social media and online spheres remain highly active.

Therefore, there’s a challenge to modernize organizations to be technology-friendly. Although recent movements have grown swiftly, they can just as quickly deteriorate. Even though parties like Sike Raut’s played a significant role in the 2079 elections in the Madhesh region, they are currently absent from the political scene. Such new powers tend to rise and fall rapidly.