Prime Minister and CPN-UML Chairperson KP Sharma Oli recently started a viral social media campaign titled “Ma Jhole Ho”, sharing a poster with his photo and the slogan. Soon, many UML leaders and supporters joined by posting similar posters in orange and gold tones.
But not everyone within the party agreed with the trend. In response, a new movement called “Ma Jhole Hoina” (I am not a jhole) has started online.
UML Leaders Who Opposed the Trend
Former Minister and UML MP Gokul Baskota chose not to follow the trend. Instead, he identified himself as a party worker, not a “jhole”. Using a geometry reference, he wrote:
“Two points can be connected with a straight line, and the sum of a triangle’s internal angles is 180°. Just like in politics—I’m a UML worker. It’s not about personal loyalty, but a revolutionary belief to change society.”
Likewise, Chandra Gurung and Saroj Bohara wrote on Facebook that they are UML supporters and workers, not jholes.
Public Reactions and Criticism
RC Neupane criticized the use of “Ma Jhole Ho” as a formal campaign. He said:
“Turning this into a poster campaign is not appropriate. It may become a mocking nickname—like how Madhav Kumar Nepal was once called ‘Makune’.”
Nyaupane warned the term “jhole” could become a lasting joke if the party continued using it widely.
Similarly, Prinsbabu Bhandari said:
“CPN-UML is a grassroots-based, organized party. Our leaders and supporters are thoughtful. That’s why I say I am a party worker, not a jhole.”
Not Just UML Supporters
The counter-campaign also drew support from other groups. Janakraj Pathak, a central RPP member, wrote:
“Better to be a citizen than to be someone’s jhole or servant.”
Royalist supporter Ananda Adhikari shared a photo of King Prithvi Narayan Shah, writing, “Ma Jhole Hoina” (I am not a jhole).