After a significant youth-led protest in Nepal last September resulted in the deaths of 77 individuals and the resignation of then-Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, a 35-year-old rapper turned politician, Balendra Shah, popularly known as Balen, shared a brief message on social media to his millions of followers. He stated, “Dear Gen Z, the resignation of your oppressor has occurred. Now, it is up to your generation to lead the nation. Be ready.”
Fast forward five months, Shah, who entered politics in 2022 by becoming the mayor of Kathmandu, is now on the brink of becoming Nepal’s next prime minister following the country’s recent election. Early results from the election commission indicated that Shah’s Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) was leading in approximately 100 seats, surpassing its main competitors.
While the final results for the 165 seats decided by direct vote and 110 through proportional representation are expected soon, the Nepali Congress, currently in second place, has acknowledged defeat. Analysts anticipate that the RSP’s strong performance will likely lead to the formation of the next government.
Bipin Adhikari, a constitutional law expert at Kathmandu University, highlighted Shah’s popularity by mentioning that buses heading to Kathmandu now carry stickers saying, “Headed to Balen’s city.”
If Shah assumes the position of prime minister, it would mark a remarkable journey for a man who initially gained attention through critical rap music targeting the establishment and leveraged his fame to rise to a prominent political role. This potential shift in power could reshape the political landscape of Nepal, a country nestled between China and India, historically dominated by a few established parties.
Shah’s widespread appeal stems from his initiatives as the mayor of Kathmandu, where he prioritized enhancing urban infrastructure, such as waste management, and ensuring access to essential services like healthcare. However, he has also faced criticism, including allegations from Human Rights Watch regarding the seizure of properties belonging to street vendors and landless individuals.
Despite declining interview requests, Shah’s unconventional approach of avoiding mainstream media in favor of direct engagement with his over 3.5 million social media followers has been instrumental in connecting with the youth in Nepal. Independent political analyst Puranjan Acharya noted that while Shah’s online presence resonates with the younger population, his role as prime minister may present challenges.
Shah, born to a father practicing traditional Ayurvedic medicine and a homemaker mother, exhibited an early interest in poetry that later evolved into a passion for rap music, inspired by American artists like Tupac Shakur and Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson. After completing his civil engineering undergraduate degree in Nepal and pursuing a master’s in structural engineering in southern India, Shah gained fame as a rap artist in his home country.
His songs, known for criticizing Nepal’s ruling elite, struck a chord with many citizens grappling with poverty. One of his popular tracks, “Balidan” (meaning sacrifice in Nepali), has garnered over 12 million views on YouTube since its release in 2019.
In December, Shah joined the RSP, led by former TV host turned politician Rabi Lamichhane, as their prime ministerial candidate. The party’s manifesto promises to generate 1.2 million jobs, curb forced migration, and address issues related to unemployment and low wages that have pushed Nepalis to seek work abroad.
Furthermore, the RSP aims to elevate Nepal’s per capita income, double the nation’s economy to $100 billion GDP, and provide comprehensive safety nets like healthcare insurance for the entire population within five years. Should Shah assume office, experts believe his success will hinge on assembling a competent team to revamp an administrative system plagued by corruption.
Acharya emphasized the necessity for Shah to surround himself with capable individuals to navigate the challenges ahead, stating, “He needs a team, experts, and support. Without proper backing, he risks succumbing to the existing corrupt state apparatus.”
