As Nepal gears up for its parliamentary elections on March 5, Balendra Shah, popularly known as Balen, draws considerable attention from voters eager for change. On a recent visit to Jhapa district, individuals stood in long queues hoping for a moment with the 35-year-old political newcomer, reflecting his strong grassroots appeal.

Campaign Against Established Political Figures

Balen is contesting from the Jhapa-5 constituency, taking on former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, who has been a prominent figure in Nepali politics for decades. Oli, now 74, resigned amidst significant public unrest that saw 77 lives lost due to protests led by the youth. The upcoming elections will see Balen representing the Rastriya Swatantra Party, a relatively new political entity compared to the entrenched Communist Party of Nepal – Unified Marxist Leninist, which is under Oli’s leadership.

Background and Rise to Prominence

Born in Kathmandu, Balen was the youngest of four siblings and grew up under the influence of his father, an Ayurveda practitioner who passed away in December. Initially focused on academics, Balen earned a degree in civil engineering and pursued postgraduate studies in structural engineering in India. However, his ascent in public life began as a rapper, where he gained recognition for his incisive lyrics addressing societal issues like corruption and political inertia.

A Striking Connection with the Youth

Balen’s music resonated deeply with young voters, particularly during widespread protests against Oli’s government. In online discussions amongst young activists last September, Balen’s name emerged over 16,000 times as a potential leader, although he later supported Sushila Karki for the interim leadership role. He has built a robust online presence, amassing millions of followers on various platforms by communicating in a straightforward manner that speaks to the frustrations of Nepal’s youth.

Mayor to Political Challenger

In 2022, Balen’s political journey took a significant turn when he was elected as the mayor of Kathmandu, winning against candidates from established parties. His term was marked by open confrontation with the central government, notably addressing illegal constructions and waste management issues. Following protests and public outcry in 2025 against the government’s actions, Balen expressed his frustrations on social media, leading to his resignation as mayor two months after joining the Rastriya Swatantra Party.

Public Engagement and Promises of Change

Despite distancing himself from traditional media, Balen maintains a significant online following, totaling approximately 3.5 million on Facebook and over one million on both Instagram and YouTube. His approach relies heavily on social media for campaigning, allowing him to connect directly with voters. Many, like first-time voter Aayal Sah and migrant worker Bipana Oli, associate their future prospects with Balen’s potential success in the elections and the job opportunities his leadership might create.

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