From rapper to premier: Balen Shah reshapes Nepal’s political landscape

KATHMANDU — Balendra Shah, widely known as Balen, has emerged as Nepal’s prime minister after a rapid political rise that began outside traditional party structures.Once known mainly within Kathmandu’s hip-hop scene, Shah built his early reputation through music that addressed poverty, corruption and underdevelopment.Trained as a structural engineer, he later entered politics as an independent candidate in the 2022 Kathmandu mayoral race.Shah ran a grassroots campaign focused on accountability and anti-corruption, drawing strong support from young voters and the Nepali diaspora. He secured a decisive victory over candidates from established political parties.As mayor, he focused on administrative efficiency and urban reforms.He actively engaged on social media, livestreamed meetings and personally oversaw development projects.His tenure included actions such as reclaiming public land, demolishing unauthorized structures and enforcing regulations, though some decisions drew criticism.During a period of unrest in 2025, Shah supported youth-led protests against government restrictions on social media.The demonstrations escalated into widespread violence, leading to significant casualties and the resignation of the government. Shah later backed efforts to stabilize the situation through dialogue and an interim administration.Earlier this year, Shah resigned as mayor and joined the Rastriya Swatantra Party, where he quickly became a leading figure.In the latest elections, he secured a decisive victory, defeating former prime minister KP Sharma Oli and leading his party to a near two-thirds majority in parliament.Analysts say his rise reflects growing public demand for political change, particularly among younger voters. Nepal’s population is largely youthful, with more than 40 percent under the age of 35.On foreign policy, Shah is expected to navigate relations with key partners including India, the United States and China. Observers say his leadership will test Nepal’s ability to balance ties while advancing national interests.