Nepal is witnessing political shifts after violent protests forced the resignation of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and President Ramachandra Paudel. Retired Chief Justice Sushila Karke has been appointed to lead the interim government, while Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, popularly known as Balen, has emerged as a frontrunner for the prime minister’s post.
Few know that Balen has a Karnataka connection. He pursued his MTech in Structural Engineering from Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU), Belagavi, between 2016 and 2018.
Born in 1990 in Kathmandu to a Navara Buddhist family of Maithil Madhesi origin, Balen is also a well-known rapper in Nepal whose songs highlight corruption, inequality and social change. After studying civil engineering in Nepal, he completed his master’s degree at VTU before entering politics.
In 2022, contesting as an independent, he won the Kathmandu mayoral election by over 61,000 votes, defeating candidates from traditional parties. His unconventional rise in politics has earned him strong support among Nepal’s youth, particularly during the ongoing Gen Z-led protests against the social media ban.
At least 19 people have died and many more have been injured in clashes between police and demonstrators. Despite the unrest, Balen has continued to post on social media in solidarity with protesters.
Supporters online are now urging him to lead the country. One user on X wrote: “Dear Balen, now is the time. Please come forward and lead the country. Nepal is with you.” Another said his leadership could mark a “generational change” and a new era in Nepal’s politics.
