Dainik Nation News Portal
DAINIK NATION BUREAU/KATHMANDU
Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah alias Balen is fast emerging as the face of a new political wave in Nepal. He has been enjoying massive support of youth. Shah—once recognized as a structural engineer and rapper—has now become a national figure, with many young Nepalese seeing him as a strong alternative to the country’s traditional leadership.
The Nepal political crisis deepened this month after the resignation of Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli on September 9, following weeks of Gen Z-led protests over corruption, unemployment, and systemic governance failures. In this vacuum, Shah has emerged as a symbol of accountability and change.
Elected in 2022 as Kathmandu’s Mayor with overwhelming support from young voters, Shah is credited for adopting unconventional approaches in urban governance, tackling waste management, digital reforms, and anti-corruption measures. His direct style of communication, particularly through social media, has further strengthened his connect with Nepal’s restless youth.
Political observers say Shah’s rise reflects a growing frustration with Nepal’s mainstream political parties, which have been dominating in power since the end of monarchy in 2008 but they failed to deliver stability or economic progress. “Balendra Shah represents the aspirations of a new Nepal – impatient, transparent, and unwilling to accept old-style politics,” said one political analyst in Kathmandu.
Although Shah has not officially declared his intent to seek the prime ministership, public pressure continues to mount. Protesters across the country have been seen carrying placards with slogans calling him the future leader. International media too has highlighted him as a front runner in case snap elections or a political realignment happens.
Meanwhile Nepal remains at a crossroads. With the prime minister’s post vacant and the country grappling with protests and economic uncertainty, all eyes are on Balendra Shah – the engineer-turned-rapper-turned-mayor – whose rise captures the spirit of a generation demanding change.
