KATHMANDU: As the House of Representatives election scheduled for March 5 draws closer, candidates from various political parties and independent contenders are resorting to eye-catching stunts and emotional theatrics to sway voters in their favour.
From lending a hand in fields to promising to bring top national leaders to their constituencies after victory, candidates are trying everything to grab public attention. Many are seen laughing, crying, and attempting to forge emotional bonds with voters. Such activities have blurred the line between political outreach and spectacle.
Several candidates have been spotted visiting farms and pretending to engage in agricultural work, while others have gone to cowsheds to milk cattle or clear dung. Videos of such activities have gone viral on social media. Rather than being viewed as genuine service, many voters see these acts as mere antics to woo voters.
Rishi Dhamala, a former journalist and candidate of the Aam Janata Party from Rautahat-4, has been among the most visible figures. In viral videos, Dhamala is seen trying to make jalebi in a local hotel, attempting carpentry work at a sawmill, riding a bicycle, and engaging in various manual tasks. His antics have amused social media users, with many comparing his campaign style to a festive outing rather than serious politics.
In Nuwakot-2, Achyutam Lamichhane, a candidate of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), has adopted a dramatic approach—wearing flower garlands, draping himself in the national flag, prostrating on roads, and greeting passers-by with exaggerated gestures. While some find it novel, others have labelled him a “new-age ascetic” online.
Former education minister Mahabir Pun, who is contesting as an independent candidate from Myagdi, has taken a different route. He announces his visits on Facebook, arrives carrying his biography, and openly tells crowds they are free to vote or not—but urges them to buy his book. Though his straightforward style has earned attention, complaints were filed with the Election Commission alleging a violation of the election code. Pun has now stopped selling books during campaign events.
Nepali Communist Party (NCP) Coordinator Pushpa Kamal Dahal, who is contesting from Rukum East, has also drawn attention for his flamboyant campaign. Surrounded by tight security and convoys of vehicles, he has mixed symbolic gestures—such as performing a peacock dance during nomination—with emotionally charged speeches. Critics say his repeated promises and dramatic appeals resurface only during elections.
In Sarlahi-3, RSP candidate Narendra Sah, who is also a noted entrepreneur, has shared videos of himself crying while asking for votes.
Madhav Dhungel, the UML candidate from Ramechhap, was widely mocked after videos showed him churning butter at voters’ homes.
Similarly, Kulmani Devkota, a UML candidate from Surkhet-2, became a subject of ridicule after photos emerged of him digging fallow land while wearing a suit. Social media users questioned why such acts appear only during elections and not in ordinary times.
RSP leader Rima Bishwakarma, a proportional representation candidate, was trolled after promising that if voters delivered a majority, party chair Rabi Lamichhane and Prime Minister Balendra Shah would be brought to Syangja. Her remarks triggered widespread mockery online.
Social activist-turned-candidate Ashika Tamang, contesting from Dhading-1, grabbed attention with a viral video in which she asks a rooster to ring the “bell” — her party’s election symbol — while soliciting votes during a door-to-door campaign.
Sudan Gurung, an RSP candidate who rose to prominence after the Gen Z protests, is seen in a video shared by his campaign team helping locals carry heavy loads on his back.
These are only representative examples of the many unusual campaign styles seen across the country. While such activities have made the election atmosphere lively and entertaining, critics say many candidates appear unclear about the responsibilities of a lawmaker.
