Amid violent protests in Nepal, Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli resigned on Tuesday. In the political vacuum, one name gaining traction as a potential successor is Balen Shah.
Born on April 27, 1990, Balen Shah hails from Nardevi in Kathmandu. Widely known simply as Balen, he is currently the 15th Mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City and the first independent candidate ever elected to this position.
From Music to Politics
Though trained as an engineer, Balen’s journey began in the world of music. In 2010, he became an active part of Nepal’s underground hip-hop scene. His debut single Sadak Balak (Street Boy) was released in 2012, followed by a growing reputation in the Nephop movement in 2013. His songs often highlighted themes of corruption, inequality, and urban struggle, striking a chord with the younger generation.
At the same time, Balen pursued academics seriously. He holds a degree in Civil Engineering and went on to study Structural Engineering at Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU), Karnataka, India.
In 2022, he entered politics as an independent candidate in local elections. Defying odds, he defeated heavyweight contenders including Sirjana Singh of the Nepali Congress and Keshav Sthapit of the CPN-UML, becoming Kathmandu’s mayor.
A Different Style of Governance
Since assuming office, Balen Shah has drawn attention for breaking traditional political molds. He is known for live-streaming official meetings, demolishing illegal constructions, and taking swift action against underperforming officials. His focus on issues often ignored such as waste management, urban traffic, and city planning has made him especially popular among Nepal’s youth.
Even while serving as mayor, Balen has not distanced himself from music and continues to be celebrated for his unique style and outspoken persona.
In June 2023, he made headlines nationally by banning the screening of Indian films in Kathmandu, following controversy over a dialogue in the movie Adipurush.
Youth Icon in Turbulent Times
With protests gripping Nepal and social media restrictions recently lifted, Balen Shah’s name has surged in public discourse as a possible future Prime Minister. Large sections of the youth see him as the fresh, independent voice they want at the helm.
On social media, Balen recently addressed the younger generation:
“Yesterday’s rally clearly belonged to Gen-Z. Most of them are under 28, and I already feel old in front of them. I want to understand their purpose, their thoughts, their vision. In this natural movement, no party, leader, or politician should try to exploit it for their benefit. I may not attend due to my age, but my full support is with them.”
He went on to urge calm after Oli’s resignation, telling young protesters:
“Your oppressor has stepped down. Now it’s time for patience. Violence and destruction only hurt our nation’s wealth and property. The next generation must now take charge of leading this country.”
A Nation at a Crossroads
The protests, however, remain violent. Reports indicate that former Prime Minister Jhala Nath Khanal’s residence was set on fire, tragically killing his wife. Demonstrators have also attacked former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba and Finance Minister Bishnu Paudel.
As Nepal faces one of its most volatile political moments in recent years, Balen Shah’s mix of youth appeal, outsider image, and bold leadership style has placed him firmly in the national spotlight, as not just a mayor or a rapper-engineer, but potentially, Nepal’s next Prime Minister.
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