KATHMANDU, Sep 6: A new social media trend, #NepoKid, is gaining momentum among Gen Z users and young Nepalis at home and abroad, as they shine a spotlight on the luxurious lifestyles of children of political leaders. Frustrated by perceived government inaction against corruption, campaigners argue that these displays of wealth reflect gains made through graft and misuse of public resources as ordinary Nepalis struggle with poverty and economic challenges.
Across TikTok, Reddit, and other platforms, users are posting photos and videos of politicians’ children flaunting expensive cars, designer clothing, branded watches, handbags, and foreign holidays. Hashtags like #NepoKid and #NepoChild—derived from “nepotism”—have gone viral alongside slogans such as “Our taxes, their luxury,” “We pay, you flex,” and “Where is the money coming from?”
Supporters of the campaign argue that the wealth displayed by these children would not be possible without the corruption of their parents. Prominent voices have also weighed in. Asheem Man Singh Basnyat, managing director of ride-hailing company Pathao, said: “People will expose you. They will take your photos from social media and show them publicly. This is not hate, this is accountability.”
Social media users are calling on young Nepalis to take political action. TikTok content creator Salma Khadka urged: “Let’s not wait for someone else to bring change. Let’s choose our leaders wisely this election.” Another user, Ujwal.g, challenged politicians’ children to question their parents directly: “Ask them if they engaged in corruption. Hold that conversation before you ride lavish cars.” Another post asked: “Where has our tax money gone? How are politicians’ sons, daughters, and grandchildren affording Gucci and Louis Vuitton while the public struggles?”
Some of those named in the posts include Jai Bir Deuba, son of Nepali Congress president and former prime minister Sher Bahadur Deuba; Shrinkhala Khatiwada, daughter of a former health minister Birodh Khatiwada; Ganga Dahal and Smita Dahal, daughter and granddaughter of former prime minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal; Anjila Basnet, daughter of former minister Mahesh Basnet; and Ankit Khand, son of a former home minister.
Campaign organisers have announced a protest on September 8 in Baneshwar, near federal Parliament, under hashtags such as #NoMoreCorruption and #WakeUpChallenge.
However, the trend has also sparked ethical concerns. Human rights defender Charan Prasai warned that exposing children and grandchildren for the actions of their parents is inappropriate. “Despite these depressing conditions, it is not right to expose anyone for the deeds of their parents. This would be wrong even if the crime were proven in court, because everyone has the right to live a dignified life as guaranteed by the constitution,” he said.
Some of the children targeted by the campaign have publicly denied the allegations, calling them baseless, yet the backlash from social media users has continued to grow.