Nepal’s political landscape is witnessing a dramatic transformation, and at the heart of this change stands Balen Shah – an engineer, rapper, and now the Mayor of Kathmandu. Once known mainly for his music and youth appeal, Shah has become a rising political figure whose popularity has surged during the recent wave of Gen Z–led protests across the country. With Nepal’s Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli stepping down following mass demonstrations, attention is turning toward Shah as a potential candidate for the highest political office in the nation.
Who is Balen Shah?
Balendra Shah, widely recognized as Balen Shah, is no ordinary politician. Before venturing into politics, he was an accomplished structural engineer and a well-known rapper in Nepal’s hip-hop community. His artistic voice, blended with his educational achievements, gave him a unique platform to connect with young people.
When Shah ran for the position of Mayor of Kathmandu, many initially underestimated his ability to win against established political parties. However, his victory sent a clear message — people, especially the youth, were ready to break away from traditional politics and give an independent leader a chance.
The Rise of Gen Z Protests in Nepal
In 2025, Nepal witnessed unprecedented protests led primarily by Gen Z — the country’s youngest generation. The unrest began after the government imposed a controversial ban on 26 social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and X (formerly Twitter).
For Nepal’s youth, who rely heavily on social media for communication, education, entertainment, and political expression, this move felt like an attack on their freedom. The protests quickly spread across major cities, with Kathmandu emerging as the epicenter.
Tragically, police crackdowns on demonstrators led to the deaths of at least 19 people nationwide, with 18 deaths reported in Kathmandu alone. Many of those killed were students dressed in their school and college uniforms, highlighting the youthful character of this movement.
Balen Shah’s Response to the Protests
Amid this turmoil, Balen Shah emerged as a voice of empathy and support. In a Facebook post, he expressed solidarity with the protesters, acknowledging the pain and aspirations of Nepal’s younger generation.
Although organizers of the demonstrations set an age cap for participation — limiting it to those under 28 — Shah admitted he was technically too old to join. Yet, he made it clear that his heart was with the youth.
“The rally is clearly a spontaneous movement of Gen Z, for whom even I may seem old,” Shah wrote. “I want to understand their aspirations, objectives, and thinking. Political parties, leaders, activists, lawmakers, and campaigners should not be oversmart to use this rally for their own interests.”
His words resonated deeply, especially with young people who saw him as someone who genuinely cared about their future. While he chose not to physically attend, Shah reaffirmed that his “full support” was with the youth.
Balen Shah as a Symbol of Change
The events of the week turned Balen Shah into a trending figure on social media — ironically, after the government lifted its controversial ban on digital platforms. His popularity soared as hashtags and campaigns calling for him to take over as Nepal’s next Prime Minister gained momentum.
This wave of support highlights an important shift in Nepalese politics: people are increasingly gravitating toward independent leaders who are not bound by the rigid hierarchies of traditional political parties.
Why Gen Z Supports Balen Shah
- Authenticity: Shah has never hidden his artistic background, and his identity as a rapper makes him relatable.
- Independence: Unlike traditional politicians, Shah has no ties to established dynasties or entrenched party structures.
- Youth Appeal: His age and modern outlook align with the aspirations of younger voters.
- Proven Leadership: As the Mayor of Kathmandu, he has already shown administrative capability.
For these reasons, many in Gen Z believe Balen Shah could be the leader Nepal needs in this crucial moment.
From Mayor to Prime Minister?
The idea of Balen Shah transitioning from Mayor of Kathmandu to Prime Minister of Nepal may have seemed far-fetched just a few years ago. But politics in Nepal has always been unpredictable, and leaders have often risen to power during times of upheaval.
With widespread frustration against established political elites and growing admiration for Shah’s independent stance, the possibility of his contesting for the prime ministership is no longer unthinkable.