Summary
Balendra Shah, known as Balen, is a popular figure in Nepal who rose to fame as a rapper and then as the mayor of Kathmandu. He is now running for a parliamentary seat as a candidate from the centrist Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) in opposition to former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli. Balen has been vocal against established political figures and parties, gaining support among young Nepalis who are disillusioned with older political leadership.
Key Facts
- Balen Shah first became famous in Nepal as a rap artist in 2013.
- He was elected mayor of Kathmandu as an independent candidate in May 2022.
- Balen supported 2025 protests that led to the resignation of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli.
- In the upcoming elections, he is contesting against Oli from the Jhapa-5 region with the RSP.
- He has criticized traditional political parties and has made controversial public statements.
- Many young people in Nepal support Balen, seeing him as a change from traditional politics.
- The RSP, Balen's party, won 10% of the national vote in the 2022 elections.
