In Nepal’s politics, which is dominated by veteran politicians, Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah (better known as Balen Shah) has emerged as an exceptional young man. He has risen to the top of the list of favorites as a representative of the youth in the country’s interim government.
Balen, 35, the mayor of the capital Kathmandu, is a former rapper. He is often seen wearing dark-colored blazers and sunglasses on Instagram and in public. Balen has been at the center of discussion after the resignation of 73-year-old Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli in the face of widespread protests by the youth.
Rewant Adhikari is one of the many who have called for Balen to contest for the post of Prime Minister and replace Oli. He wrote on his X handle (former Twitter), “You should be our new Prime Minister.” He also wrote, “Long live Nepal.”
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A total of 25 people have been killed in the agitation-protest violence, according to relevant sources in Nepal. The protest was initiated by a group called Gen-G Nepal. More than half of the country’s 30 million people are under the age of 30. The group has a strong youth base. But politicians who are almost twice their age often become prime ministers in Nepal.
Former Supreme Court judge and constitutional expert Balram KC said Balen should be among the Gen-G representatives in discussions with President Ram Chandra Paudel to decide the next steps for the Himalayan nation.
Balen did not respond to requests for comment. Reuters could not immediately reach him because his mobile phone was switched off. His office also declined to comment.
Balen, a structural engineer by profession, won the 2022 mayoral election as an independent candidate. His victory was a major blow to Nepal’s traditional party system and has since become a symbol of political change.
Among Balen Shah’s rap songs, ‘Balidan’ (meaning sacrifice) released in 2020 is particularly notable. The song has been viewed over 11 million times on YouTube. The song criticizes corruption, social injustice and administrative failures.
Balen has over 800,000 followers on Instagram. The heavily bearded Balen Shah has consistently spoken out in support of the protesters on social media. He has called KP Sharma Oli a ‘terrorist’ who does not understand the ‘pain of losing a son or daughter’.
Kathmandu Mayor and former rapper Balendra Shah attends the Indrajatra festival at Kathmandu Durbar Square. Photo: Reuters
Interim Representative
A draft policy prepared by the Gen-G Nepal group proposes the formation of an ‘impartial interim authority council’ to quickly restore law and order and hold national elections in Nepal within about 18 months. The council mentions Balen Shah’s name as a possible representative of the youth and protest movement.
According to documents seen by Reuters, Balen Shah will be on the council, along with government officials and civil society leaders.
Balen said he did not join the protests because they were mainly aimed at young people under 26, who see him as an older person compared to them. But he added that it was important to listen to them.
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“Now your generation has to lead the country. Be prepared,” Balen told the protesters on Tuesday, warning of the challenges ahead.
Born in Kathmandu in 1990, Balen Shah studied civil engineering in Nepal. He later did a master’s in structural engineering in India. In 2023, Time magazine named him one of its “Top 100 Emerging Leaders.”
Analysts say Balen is known for his anti-corruption initiatives, urban reforms and strong social media presence as mayor.
Balen has improved infrastructure for pedestrians and cracked down on tax evasion by private educational institutions. He has pressed for further improvement in the teaching of government educational institutions.
Young IT professional Pramod Kandel wrote to X-Ballen, “The youth want you to come forward as a temporary spokesperson during this time of change.”
Pramod also wrote, “In the long run, we want you to…work with other corruption-free leaders. Even work under them, who have shown competence, integrity and love for the country.”
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