Designer bags, luxury cars, foreign vacations: Inside glam life of Nepal’s ‘nepo kids’

Inside the luxurious life of Nepal’s ‘nepo kids’

Nepal has been engulfed in violent protests over the past week, with public anger over corruption, nepotism, and a temporary social media ban escalating into nationwide clashes. The unrest, largely led by Gen Z, has resulted in numerous injuries and political upheaval, culminating in the resignation of the country’s prime minister KP Sharma Oli.

During the protests, demonstrators also voiced anger against political “nepo kids,” questioning whether the children of politicians succeed due to privilege rather than hard work.

At the heart of the unrest is generational frustration: while ordinary Nepalis face unemployment, rising inflation, and widespread poverty, the offspring of political leaders flaunt luxury cars, designer handbags, and international vacations on social media.

Using the hashtag ‘#nepokids,’ many young people from influential families have been called out for being disconnected from the reality of a nation where one in four citizens lives below the poverty line.

Let’s take a closer look at Nepal’s ‘nepo kids’ and the incidents involving them that sparked the unrest.

Demise of 11 year old 

A tragic turn intensified the movement when Usha, an 11-year-old girl from a poor family, was allegedly run over by the son of a government official. Her death triggered nationwide outrage, with her story becoming a powerful symbol of how privilege and power often shield the influential from accountability.

Shrinkhala Khatiwada

Former Miss Nepal Shrinkhala Khatiwada, daughter of ex-health minister Birodh Khatiwada and Bagmati state parliament member Munu Sigdel Khatiwada, became target of criticism amid the protests.

The 29-year-old beauty queen, once celebrated, was accused of representing elitist privilege, with viral posts highlighting her international travels and luxurious lifestyle.

Protesters accused her of receiving $50,000 from the Miss World Foundation for her projects, and her family home was set on fire during the unrest. She reportedly lost over 1 lakh Instagram followers after being called out for staying silent during the movement.

Shivana Shrestha

Shivana Shrestha, a well-known singer and daughter-in-law of former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba, has come under fire during the protests for flaunting wealth online. Her videos often feature lavish homes and high-end fashion, while she and her husband, Jaiveer Singh Deuba, have been singled out as symbols of political families enjoying lifestyles “worth crores.”

Saugat Thapa

He is the son of Law Minister Bindu Kumar Thapa, became one of the most prominent faces of Nepal’s #Nepokids campaign. Viral images portrayed him surrounded by luxury, including a widely shared photo of him posing before a Christmas tree made of Louis Vuitton, Cartier, and Gucci boxes.

Born into a political family, Saugat serves as managing director of the Ansuvara Group in Pokhara. He studied Business Administration at Pokhara Lincoln International College, also won a seat in the Pokhara Chamber of Commerce and Industry as its youngest candidate.

In August, he opened the lakeside resort Bagaincha to the public. Reports suggest he is dating Miss Nepal World 2024, Ashma Kumari KC, who was also targeted in the “Nepo Babies” campaign.

Smita Dahal

Smita Dahal, granddaughter of former Prime Minister and Communist Party of Nepal leader Pushpa Kamal Dahal “Prachanda,” came under heavy criticism for flaunting luxury handbags worth lakhs on social media. Her posts drew outrage at a time when many Nepalis continue to struggle with unemployment and economic hardship.

Perks extended to families of coalition partners

Oli’s coalition government drew criticism for favouring the families of Nepali Congress leaders, with figures like Shreya Karki (daughter of former minister Ram Chandra Karki), Vivek Sharma (son of ex-Finance Minister Janardan Sharma), and Tara Thapa (daughter of former minister Arjun Narsingh KC) cited as examples of “nepo kids” benefiting from political or social opportunities.

In April 2024, reports suggested that Oli also advanced the relatives of close associates into party posts and business ventures, fueling discontent and even causing splits within his party.