Kathmandu: Communist Party of Nepal (CPN) coordinator Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has said that “populist politics” without clear ideas or principles is weakening Nepal’s democracy and socialist movement.

Speaking at a programme in Kathmandu on Monday, the former prime minister criticised what he described as social media-driven “stunts” and surface-level popularity campaigns. He said some groups are trying to win public support through online trends and slogans rather than serious policies and long-term vision.

According to him, such trends are not just local but part of a wider international pattern influenced by global power politics.

“Even without ideas, principles or history, some forces are trying to gain support through social media stunts,” Prachanda said. “This kind of populism has been used in many countries and is now being repeated in Nepal to attack democracy and socialism. It is linked to broader geopolitical interests.”

Prachanda said his party stands for the protection of the republican system, federalism and the rights of marginalised communities. He described the CPN as a progressive and ideology-based party that aims to provide stable leadership at a time of political uncertainty.

He also said Nepal needs a strong national political force to address the expectations of young people, including the emerging Generation Z. The party, he added, has been built by bringing together 26 small and medium-sized leftist, socialist and nationalist groups.

With the House of Representatives elections set for 21 Falgun, Prachanda said elections are the best way to reach out to the public and respond to the concerns of young voters. He argued that a newly elected parliament with a fresh public mandate would be better placed to tackle the country’s challenges.

He stressed the need for unity among leftist forces and called on youth and progressive groups to work together to build a more socialist-oriented political system.

Political analysts say the speech is part of the CPN’s efforts to strengthen its base and draw clear ideological lines ahead of the upcoming elections, as newer parties continue to gain attention.