Singer and actor Prakash Saput has been embroiled in a controversy on social media. Some social media users are criticizing him for praising Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli. Saput was speaking at the launch ceremony of the book ‘KP Sharma Oli: Dreams, Dreams and Determination’, a biography of Prime Minister Oli, which was made public on Monday.

During the same event, Saput openly praised Prime Minister Oli’s struggles and personality and said that he has confidence, energy, and a youthful mindset that is beyond his age. “Leaving aside other things. Even if we look at him personally, leaving aside his role in the communist movement and his role as an executive running the country, his life is inspiring. His life is inspiring for those who, out of despair, are reluctant to dream or struggle because they were born in a village, because their parents are poor, or for various reasons,” he said. After Saput’s remarks went viral on social media, some have reacted negatively.

Clips of his remarks are being shared widely on TikTok, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and more. Some users have criticized Saput for ‘showing political favoritism’, while others have supported his remarks as ‘free speech’. They are calling him a UML worker and a ‘scam’. One user commented, “Now Prakash Saput is no longer an artist, but a propagandist for the leader.” Another said, “Let’s boycott his film.” Some have also warned of boycotting Prakash’s debut directorial film ‘Basant’, which is set to release on Chaitra 22. However, some have defended Prakash and said that it is natural for anyone in Nepali society to praise or criticize anyone. According to them, it is not right for an artist to express their opinions and affect his professional journey. Actress Keki Adhikari also praised Prime Minister Oli at the same event. After which she too has faced some criticism.