Balen Shah

Balendra "Balen" Shah, a 35-year-old rapper and engineer, is a rising political figure in Nepal. He gained prominence as the former mayor of Kathmandu and is now the prime ministerial candidate for the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP). Shah's political career began just four years ago, and his party represents a reformist wave following a youth-led uprising last year that toppled the previous government due to corruption, economic stagnation, and inequality. Recent election results indicate the RSP, led by Shah, has secured a majority, positioning him to potentially become the next prime minister. His rise is seen as a generational shift in leadership, challenging established political figures like former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli. Shah's campaign rallies feature his rap music, appealing to a younger generation of voters seeking change.