Kathmandu Mayor Balen Shah, widely known as Balen, has become one of the most talked-about political figures in Nepal. A former rapper turned engineer and politician, Balen is now being seen as a prime ministerial candidate after allying with the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) led by Rabi Lamichhane.
His rise comes months after deadly Gen Z-led protests against corruption and poor governance shook the country and forced the resignation of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli.
Who is Balen Shah?
Balen Shah is a rapper, structural engineer, and politician. He was born in Kathmandu in 1990 and studied civil engineering in Nepal before completing a master’s degree in structural engineering in India.
Before entering politics, Balen gained popularity through his rap songs that spoke strongly against corruption, injustice, and weak governance. His song “Balidan” became especially popular among young people.
In 2022, he shocked Nepal’s political establishment by winning the Kathmandu mayoral election as an independent candidate, defeating candidates from major traditional parties.
Rise as a Youth Icon and Mayor
As mayor, Balen became known for his anti-corruption stance, strict enforcement of city rules, and strong social media presence. He took action against illegal structures, tax evasion, and mismanagement, which earned him both praise and criticism.
During the September Gen Z protests, Balen emerged as an undeclared youth icon. Although he mostly spoke through social media, many young protesters saw him as a symbol of change and clean politics.
He also played a role in the formation of the interim government led by former Chief Justice Sushila Karki, which is overseeing the upcoming elections.
Alliance With RSP and PM Candidacy
Ahead of the March 5 parliamentary elections, Balen joined hands with Rabi Lamichhane’s Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP). Under their agreement, Balen will be the prime ministerial candidate if the party wins, while Lamichhane will remain party chair.
The alliance aims to represent the demands of Nepal’s younger generation and challenge traditional parties that have dominated politics for over three decades.
Political analysts say this partnership could attract a large number of young voters, many of whom were added to the voter list after the protests.
Whether Balen can turn youth support into electoral success remains to be seen, but his journey from rapper to mayor and now a national political challenger marks a major shift in Nepal’s political landscape.
