After threats were made over inviting Mahesh Basnet as a guest

Cinepatra/Kathmandu

The controversy erupted after Mahesh Basnet, Secretary of Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist–Leninist) (CPN-UML), appeared as a guest on the television reality show Comedy Night with Champions. Following the release of the new episode’s trailer, criticism intensified on social media.

The show’s director and host, Vishal Bhandari, responded via Facebook on Tuesday, warning that he would seek legal action against those engaging in abusive language over the guest’s appearance. He also claimed that the program has always been conducted in a fair and neutral manner.

After the trailer was made public, criticism of both the show and Bhandari began circulating widely on social media. Some users even threatened to boycott the program.

Bhandari reminded audiences that leaders from various political parties had previously appeared on the show. According to him, leaders from the Rastriya Swatantra Party had participated three times, from the Rastriya Prajatantra Party once, from the Nepali Congress once, and from the former Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Socialist) once.

Referring to the abusive comments and threats circulating on social media, Bhandari said he would pursue legal measures if there were attempts to obstruct the program’s democratic and impartial operation. He also urged leaders and supporters of all political parties not to interfere with the show.

Reactions on Facebook and YouTube have been divided. Some viewers accused the program of giving space to controversial figures, while others defended it, arguing that comedians should have the freedom to satirize and mimic anyone.

Meanwhile, during the episode featuring Basnet, a caricature of Rastriya Swatantra Party candidate Sudhan Gurung was performed by artist Prabhat Lama. Director Bhandari stated that Lama has also received threats over his performance.