Balendra Shah also known as Balen is all set to take oath as the next Prime Minister of Nepal on Ram Navami (March 27), which is being seen as a symbolic move. It is said that Balen Shah is evoking the Ramayana tradition, he even launched his campaign from Janakpur, the birthplace of Goddess Sita. This symbolic move has become a talking point in Nepal. As per S D Muni, this gesture by Shah is not about religious-linked monarchy but an acknowledgment of the people’s faith. This acknowledgement differs from the monarchy-era narrative of Nepal, when the king was said to be an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Some experts see this as a signal of alignment with India, but others say it is simply Nepal’s cultural framework and has nothing to do with religious politics in India.

First Madheshi leader

Balen, 35 represents the Gen Z. He is a structural engineer-turned mayor of Kathmandu and now PM of Nepal. He first came into the spotlight as a rapper who criticised the government through raps that targeted corruption. In 2022, he won the mayoral election and became the Mayor of Kathmandu. Balen hails from Nepal’s southern Terai region, he is the first Madheshi to reach the highest position in politics. In 2022, the Rashtriya Swatantra Party (RSP) was founded, of which Balen is a member. On March 5, RSP secured 125 of 165 seats and added 57 through proportional representation, bringing the tally to 182 in the 275-member House.

Balen defeated the former Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli by 50,000 votes, which is one of the biggest mandates. Balen will take the oath on March 27 and thereafter he will choose the parliamentary party leader. As per the decision by the party, Rabi Lamichhane will be the RSP chief. The rise of Balen clearly shows the rise of youth-driven politics and the expression of Hindu identity.

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