Nepal's rapper-mayor in pole position to become PM
Nepal’s Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah widely known as Balen, has emerged as a leading contender for prime minister ahead of the March 5 general election.
The 35-year-old rapper-turned-politician gained national attention following last September’s youth-led protests that left 77 people dead and forced then-prime minister KP Sharma Oli to step down. Shortly after the resignation, Shah called on young voters to take charge of the country’s future, a message that resonated strongly with Nepal’s growing youth population.
Although Nepal lacks reliable nationwide opinion polling, political analysts and local media reports suggest Shah is the most popular candidate in the race. His support base is driven largely by young voters frustrated with corruption, economic stagnation and political instability.
Shah first rose to prominence in 2022 when he won the Kathmandu mayoral election as an independent candidate, defeating nominees from major parties. His tenure has focused on urban reform, anti-corruption measures, improved public services and stricter enforcement of city regulations, boosting his reputation as a results-oriented leader.
Observers say his popularity is evident even beyond the capital, with campaign slogans and symbols appearing across the country.
If Shah succeeds, it would mark a major political transformation in Nepal, a Himalayan nation long dominated by established forces such as the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist–Leninist) and the Nepali Congress.
Shah’s party, the Rastriya Swatantra Party, positions itself as a centrist alternative promising governance reform, economic modernization and stronger institutions.
The party has pledged to maintain balanced diplomatic relations with both India and China while prioritizing national interests. Analysts say a Shah-led government could introduce a new generation of leadership and reshape Nepal’s political landscape.
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