Kathmandu (TDI): Balendra Shah, the 35-year-old rapper-turned-politician popularly known as “Balen”, is on track to become Nepal’s next prime minister following the country’s first general election since a youth-led uprising last September that forced former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli to resign.
Shah’s Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) is leading in around 100 seats, far ahead of its rivals, according to early election commission trends. Final results for all 275 seats, combining direct vote and proportional representation, are expected within days, Reuters reported.
Shah first entered politics in 2022 when he became the mayor of Kathmandu, where he focused on improving urban infrastructure and service delivery, such as waste management and healthcare. His popularity has been fueled by a strong social media presence, connecting directly with young Nepalis, who played a central role in the recent uprising. Analysts say his appeal is partly due to his outsider status and ability to challenge the traditional political elite, which has dominated Nepali politics for decades.
Born to a father practicing traditional Ayurvedic medicine and a homemaker mother, Shah studied civil engineering in Nepal and earned a master’s degree in structural engineering in India. Alongside his academic career, he emerged as a rap artist, using music to critique the establishment. His 2019 song “Balidan”, meaning “sacrifice,” garnered over 12 million views on YouTube, with lyrics emphasizing speaking truth to power and challenging societal constraints.
Read More: Nepal’s Rapper Hopes to Take on Veteran Politician in First Elections Since Gen Z Uprising
Shah joined the RSP last December under the leadership of former TV host Rabi Lamichhane as the party’s prime ministerial candidate. The party manifesto promises 1.2 million jobs, a doubling of Nepal’s per capita income, expanded safety nets, and efforts to curb forced migration. Observers note that much of Shah’s potential success as prime minister will depend on assembling a skilled team capable of reforming Nepal’s administration, long criticized for corruption and inefficiency.
Political analysts caution that while Shah’s rise is historic, leading Nepal will not be easy. Independent expert Puranjan Acharya said, “It needs a team, experts, and support. Under the existing state apparatus, he can’t perform and he will be finished like wood attacked by termites.” Nonetheless, Shah’s combination of youth appeal, social media reach, and outsider image marks a dramatic reshaping of Nepal’s political landscape.
Read More: Australia Places India, Nepal, Bangladesh and Bhutan in ‘Highest Risk’ Student Visa Category
Shah’s ascent represents a broader generational shift in Nepal, where young voters are demanding transparency, opportunity, and accountability. As the RSP moves toward forming the next government, all eyes will be on whether a rapper-turned-politician can translate social media popularity and mayoral experience into effective national governance.
