KATHMANDU: In a political twist reminiscent of the “Jhole” campaign once associated with CPN-UML leaders, Nepali Congress President Gagan Thapa’s team has adopted a similar style to respond to social media allegations against him, particularly regarding the so-called “Bakhra” incident.
The term “Jhole” was previously used by opposition groups to criticize UML leaders and cadres negatively. To counter this, UML leadership had turned the term into a positive campaign, with the slogan “I am Jhole,” creating a kind of internal solidarity, although participation varied within the party.
Similarly, social media users have long targeted Gagan Thapa with unclear negative claims about the “Bakhra” incident. While no official legal case or court proceedings exist regarding the matter, the term has been used to imply deceit or irregularity. Thapa has publicly addressed and clarified these claims multiple times.
To counter these narratives, Thapa’s team has borrowed the communication style used by KP Sharma Oli’s group. They have launched a website under the domain name “mutton.world”, presenting information about Thapa and the controversy in a satirical, engaging way.
Visitors to the site first see “Gagan Thapa for New Nepal,” accompanied by a short rap-style song. The homepage features a “Muttonfesto” section (still under development) and includes Thapa’s biography. It also presents facts, evidence, and clarifications regarding the “Bakhra incident,” along with some of Thapa’s interviews.
The site uses humor creatively: it explains why Thapa’s team calls themselves “GOAT,” which they expand in English as “Greatest of All Time”, while humorously countering the “Bakhra” allegations. At the end of the site, a button encourages visitors to “join the movement,” which, when clicked, plays a goat sound alongside a swastik symbol.
This approach reflects how political teams in Nepal are increasingly using satire and digital tools to shape public perception and defend their leaders in the social media era.
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