KATHMANDU, Feb 20: Comedian duo Madan Krishna Shrestha and Hari Bansha Acharya have dismissed recent social media allegations, citing them as baseless.
On Thursday morning, they released a video on social media and denied any truth to the accusations. "Some groups claim that Maha Jodi (duo) misused USAID funds for anti-religious activities. This is false propaganda," they said, refuting the allegations.
"We have done nothing wrong. We see everyone as our well-wishers, so it is disheartening when those we trust accuse us," actor Shrestha said. "The world has both good and bad things, but we have always chosen to focus on positive work."
He added, "USAID has supported programs on leprosy, gynaecological diseases, polio vaccination, and other immunization campaigns. Go back and review our telefilms. We have done nothing wrong."
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In the same video, actor Acharya clarified they are not anti-religious. He accused certain individuals and groups of deliberately spreading false propaganda against them.
He insisted it's not wrong to accept USAID support, dismissing opposing arguments as unreasonable. According to him, seeking help from legitimate institutions transparently for positive work is perfectly acceptable.
We also created satirical works criticizing the regime during the Panchayat era. "It is baseless to claim that we oppose Sanatan Dharma by isolating certain parts. We remain focused on our work."
They have urged all Nepali people not to believe these misleading claims and assured that they will stay focused on their work, undeterred by false propaganda.
Earlier, U.S. President Donald Trump declared the suspension of USAID activities and revealed how much money the agency spent in countries like Nepal promoting "atheism."
After the news emerged, various individuals publicly discussed which organizations received how much money through USAID on social media. Maha Sanchar, led by Hari Bansha Acharya and Madan Krishna Shrestha, is also on the list of institutions that received funds through USAID.
Maha Sanchar faces accusations of using USAID funds to produce a television series while engaging in anti-Hindu activities. The allegations against Maha Jodi specifically involve consuming alcohol during a Brahmin's Shraddha ceremony and promoting Christianity.
Here is a video of their clarification:
https://www.facebook.com/hari.bamsha.acharya/videos/672385361983953
