Rapper-turned-politician Balen Shah poised to become Nepal’s Prime Minister
. . . From Kathmandu Mayor to National Leader, Balen Shah’s rise reshapes Nepal’s political landscape after landslide victory
The rise of Balendra Shah, widely known as Balen, from a rapper and engineer to a leading national political figure marks a dramatic shift in the political landscape of Nepal.
At 35, the former mayor of Kathmandu is now poised to become the country’s next prime minister after his party, the Rastriya Swatantra Party, secured a decisive victory in parliamentary elections.
Scenes of celebration erupted in the town of Damak in Jhapa District, where thousands of supporters flooded the streets, cheering as Balen greeted them from a vehicle during a victory procession. Supporters repeatedly chanted his name as he waved and thanked the crowds.
Balen’s campaign stood out for its unusual strategy. Rather than delivering lengthy speeches or making sweeping promises, he kept public appearances brief and focused on direct interaction with voters. Political analysts say this minimalist approach, combined with his image as a political outsider, resonated strongly with voters seeking change, dw.com reports.
The election results confirmed the impact of that strategy. The Rastriya Swatantra Party won 182 of the 275 seats in parliament, securing a clear majority and paving the way for Balen to lead the next government.
His victory also dealt a major blow to the traditional political establishment. Balen contested the Jhapa-5 constituency, long considered the stronghold of former prime minister K. P. Sharma Oli. When votes were counted, Balen won decisively with 68,348 votes, compared with 18,734 for Oli.
The election followed months of political upheaval, including nationwide youth-led protests against corruption and poor governance that forced the resignation of the previous government. Analysts say Balen’s popularity grew as many young voters saw him as a fresh alternative to established political elites.
Before entering national politics, Balen built a career as a structural engineer and gained popularity as a rapper and poet known for criticizing corruption and social inequality. He first entered electoral politics in 2022, winning the Kathmandu mayoral race as an independent candidate.
With his party now holding a parliamentary majority, Balen appears set to move from local leadership to national power. Analysts say his new government will face high expectations to deliver reforms and prove that the outsider-driven political wave can translate into effective governance.
