Cyberbullying on Social Media Targets RSWP Leader Ranju Darshana Over Pregnancy
पुस १८, २०८२ १६:१३
Kathmandu: As political parties prepare for the House of Representatives elections on March 5, discussions on social media have intensified. Amid this, Rashtriya Swatantra Party (RSWP) leader Ranju Darshana has faced cyberbullying linking her pregnancy to her political candidacy.
Darshana is included in the closed list of proportional representation candidates submitted to the Election Commission by RSWP. She had previously secured a significant number of votes running for mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City. This time, her decision to enter parliament through proportional representation drew criticism. On December 30, Darshana shared a photo of her baby bump on Facebook, announcing that she is expecting a child.
Following the post, some social media users began making negative comments connecting her pregnancy to her candidacy. Some accused her of seeking parliamentary benefits under the pretext of childbirth or of occupying a position while pregnant.
Darshana also shared photos from an interview with comedian Himesh Pant on Wednesday night.
Reacting to her post, Facebook user BK Manandhar sarcastically wrote, “Now if there are elections, then if we become a parliament from proportional representation, we will get maternity allowance and parliamentary facilities and sit at home and relax the New party’s development plan.” (Translated)
Another user commented, “My wife is also pregnant, Darshana, we have to include her in the proportional quota of the indigenous people.” (Translated)
Facebook user Bibek Shah suggested that Darshana’s pregnancy and future motherhood could hinder development work. He wrote, “2082: I was pregnant and sat on proportional representation 2086: I could not develop the country because I had a child ... They will say later.” (Translated)
On Wednesday morning, Darshana released a video showing her participation in the RSP rally and election campaign. The video drew further rude comments. Facebook user CM Rakendra Parajuli wrote, “May everything else be fine. No miscarriage. Best wishes.” Another user, Ishwor Singh Saud, suggested she leave politics and stay home, writing, “You should heat oil and massage yourself at home, Ranju, my advice.”
In a TikTok video released by Anmol Media, Darshana explained that she chose proportional representation due to her physical condition, not desire. A user, Nagindra Basnet, commented, “Whoever is in will raise the child well with government allowance.”
Another Facebook user, Bikash Shahi, shared a photo of Darshana with the caption, “I am a proportional representation candidate due to my health condition: Ranju Darshana.” Most comments on the post were derogatory. Facebook user Anjana Shrestha noted that most negative comments were made by men, writing, “Looking at the comments from top to bottom, 99% of the comments are made by men and how low the thinking has fallen.”
Many users have strongly opposed the negative and personal attacks. Facebook user Geeta Chimoriya criticized the comments as disrespectful to motherhood, writing, “Looking at the comments on social media about Ranju Darshana, you can see the status of Nepalis! Question her thoughts and abilities, question her contribution, but making vulgar jokes about women’s bodies and motherhood is never acceptable. Ideas may not agree, parties may be different. But every mother is equally respected. Yes, #RanjuDarshana is a woman before becoming an RSWP leader and a mother in the making. If you want to ban pregnant women and mothers from parliament, do it through law. But don’t stoop to such a low level and comment on a woman becoming another mother.”
While negative comments continue, many social media users have praised Darshana for her courage in publicly showing her pregnancy while remaining politically active. Supporters have said all women should be proud of her work and encouraged her to continue participating in elections while taking care of her health.
पछिल्लो अध्यावधिक: पुस १८, २०८२ १६:१३
