Balendra Shah, widely known as Balen, is now vying for the post of Prime Minister of Nepal after completing three years as mayor of Kathmandu.

Nepal went to the polls on Thursday in its first general election since a youth-led movement last September forced then-prime minister KP Sharma Oli to resign. The political landscape has shifted significantly, with a wave of young candidates entering the contest to challenge the long-standing dominance of veteran leaders.

One of the most prominent figures in this new generation is rapper-turned-politician Balendra Shah, widely known as Balen. The 35-year-old has gained immense popularity among Nepal’s younger voters and is currently seen as a leading candidate for the prime minister’s position.

Following the uprising that led to Oli’s resignation, Shah addressed his supporters on social media, urging young people to take responsibility for the nation’s future. “Dear Gen Z, the resignation of your killer has come. Now your generation must lead the country. Be ready,” he wrote in a message that quickly went viral.

Who is Balendra Shah?

Balendra Shah first gained national attention after winning the Kathmandu mayoral election as an independent candidate. Before entering national politics, he served three years as mayor of the capital city.

He later joined the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), which finished fourth in Nepal’s 2022 general election. Now, just months after the political upheaval, Shah is considered a frontrunner to lead the country.

Shah grew up in a family rooted in traditional values. His father practiced Ayurvedic medicine, while his mother managed the household. From a young age, Shah was drawn to poetry, which eventually developed into a passion for rap music.

Inspired by American rap icons such as Tupac Shakur and Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, Shah built a successful music career and became widely known across Nepal. He completed his undergraduate studies in civil engineering in Nepal before earning a master’s degree in structural engineering from Visvesvaraya Technological University in India.

From Music to Politics

Shah’s music often criticised corruption and the country’s political establishment, resonating strongly with young listeners. One of his most popular tracks, “Balidan,” released in 2019, has surpassed 12 million views on YouTube.

His transition into politics began with his campaign for Kathmandu mayor, where he ran as an independent candidate with the slogan “Time for Change.” He secured a decisive victory, signalling a shift in public sentiment toward new leadership.

During his tenure as mayor, however, his administration faced criticism from some rights groups. They accused him of taking a tough approach against street vendors while attempting to regulate public spaces and remove unlicensed businesses.

Unlike many traditional politicians in Nepal, Shah rarely interacts with mainstream media. Instead, he communicates directly with young voters through social media platforms, where he has built a massive following of more than 3.5 million people.

Race for Prime Minister

In December last year, Shah joined the Rastriya Swatantra Party, led by former television host-turned-politician Rabi Lamichhane, and became the party’s candidate for prime minister.

The party’s manifesto outlines ambitious goals, including the creation of 1.2 million jobs and policies aimed at reducing labour migration. Millions of Nepalis currently work abroad due to limited job opportunities at home.

The party also aims to raise Nepal’s per capita income from $1,447 to $3,000, expand the country’s GDP to $100 billion, and introduce universal healthcare insurance within five years.

Shah’s campaign has been highly visible online, with carefully curated images of his rallies and public appearances frequently shared on his social media accounts. He is often seen wearing his signature dark sunglasses and beard.

However, he has also faced criticism during the campaign. A video showing him driving a luxury Land Rover Defender worth around 40 million Nepali rupees during a campaign visit to Jhapa sparked debate on social media.

Shah is contesting the election from the Jhapa-5 constituency as he seeks to turn his growing popularity into national political power.