KATHMANDU: The upcoming 47th episode of the popular program Comedy Night with Champions faced cyber attacks following the release of its trailer, according to the show’s director, producer, and host, Bishal Bhandari.
The episode features UML Secretary Mahesh Basnet as a guest, while the program’s performers include caricatures of Prime Minister Sushila Karki and activist Sudan Gurung. Bhandari said the trailer triggered backlash from groups critical of traditional political parties, who called for a boycott of the episode. Some also claimed that the show was being influenced by UML.
Bhandari, who has faced past allegations of being UML-affiliated after visiting the residence of party Chair KP Sharma Oli, stressed that the program has hosted leaders from multiple parties, including RSP, Rastriya Prajatantra Party, Nepali Congress, and other parties, multiple times. “We have had RSP leaders three times and leaders from Rastriya Prajatantra Party and Congress once each,” he clarified on social media.
He questioned the notion that only certain parties should be represented in media programs, asking, “Do we want a society where only one party’s individuals can appear as guests?” He added that criticism against new parties while mocking old parties should not be selective.
Bhandari also warned that if the threats and cyber harassment continue, the program team would pursue legal action. He reaffirmed that KMD Night with Champion supports constructive dialogue and change, rather than partisanship.
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