Nepal elections: Who is Balendra Shah? Rapper-turned-politician beats former PM KP Oli on Jhapa-5 seat

Balendra Shah leads youth-driven political challenge

Balendra Shah of  Rashtriya Swatantra Party defeated former Nepali Prime Minister KP Oli of CPN-UML by 49,614 votes in Nepal’s closely watched Jhapa-5 seat.

Who is Balendra Shah?

Balen, a former Kathmandu mayor who first gained recognition as a rapper and youth activist, is now running as a prime ministerial candidate, marking a notable transition from civic leadership to national politics.

Supported strongly by young voters and backed by the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), Shah has built momentum around an anti-corruption platform and calls for institutional reform. His constituency Jhapa-5 is regarded as a political stronghold of former PM Oli, underscoring the competitive nature of his bid.

Shah joined the RSP in December last year and represents the party in the election. Led by former television host-turned-politician Rabi Lamichhane, the party has sought to present itself as a reform-driven alternative to established political forces.

His candidacy reflects the broader shift in Nepalese politics, where new actors backed by youth mobilisation are increasingly challenging traditional party structures.

Role in the Gen Z movement

Shah played a visible role in the political turbulence that unfolded in September last year. He was among the most influential figures supporting the Gen Z protests that demanded stronger anti-corruption measures and institutional accountability in Nepal.

His influence extended beyond street activism. Shah also contributed to discussions around forming an interim government led by former Chief Justice Sushila Karki, which was tasked with overseeing the election process following the political instability triggered by the protests.

His alignment with youth-led political movements strengthened his image as a leader advocating systemic change.

Early life and background

Balendra Shah was born on 27 April 1990 in Kathmandu. He completed his schooling at V.S. Niketan Secondary School and later pursued higher education at Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU). Professionally, he trained as a structural engineer before transitioning into public life.

Shah comes from a Madhesi family rooted in Maithili-speaking traditions. His father, Ram Narayan Shah, was an Ayurvedic government employee from Mahottari district and passed away in December 2025. Although Shah does not frequently emphasise his religious stance, he has cultural ties to Hindu Madhesi traditions.

He is married to Sabina Kafle, whom he wed in 2018. Kafle has been seen accompanying him throughout his political journey, supporting his transformation from artist and engineer to mayor and national political figure.

Music career before politics

Before entering politics, Shah built a strong reputation in Nepal’s hip-hop scene. His musical journey began in the early 2010s. In 2012, while still in school, he released his first song, “Sadak Balak,” which focused on the struggles faced by urban youth.

His breakthrough came in 2013 after appearing in the YouTube rap battle series “Raw Barz,” which boosted his visibility in Nepal’s underground hip-hop movement.

Many of his songs addressed social issues such as corruption, inequality and governance failures. His track “Balidan,” centred on political corruption, gained significant popularity among young audiences. In 2025, he composed, wrote and sang “Nepal Haseko…” for the Nepali film “Laaj Sharanam.” The song was first uploaded to his YouTube channel before being incorporated into the movie and became a trending hit online.

Mayor of Kathmandu and political controversies

Shah served as Mayor of Kathmandu from 2022 to 2026, where he implemented aggressive governance reforms. His demolition drive targeting illegal properties and efforts to expose the hidden Tukucha River drew both support and criticism.

He also faced backlash over operations to remove landless squatters along the Bagmati River, which led to clashes between authorities and residents demanding rehabilitation. His crackdown on street vendors sparked further criticism over alleged excessive force by law enforcement.

In 2023, controversy erupted after he posted on social media that he would “set the Singha Durbar on fire” if municipal vehicles were blocked by police. He also faced diplomatic tensions after displaying a map of “Greater Nepal” in his office and temporarily banning Indian films in Kathmandu following a dispute over a dialogue in the movie Adipurush.

Later, in 2025, he faced renewed criticism for controversial social media remarks about political parties and foreign countries. Allegations that he failed to deploy fire services during protests were denied by him.

Political future

Shah is contesting the 2026 general elections from Jhapa-5, challenging entrenched political forces in a constituency considered loyal to KP Sharma Oli. Early results indicate he is leading in this high-profile race.

His estimated net worth ranges between 5–6 crore Nepalese rupees, with reported monthly income exceeding 3 lakh rupees from professional and political activities.

Backed strongly by Gen Z supporters and anti-corruption activists, Shah represents a new generation of political leadership seeking to reshape Nepal’s political landscape.

Nepal’s Chief Election Commissioner Ram Prasad Bhandari said the counting of votes in the parliamentary elections is expected to be completed by March 9. The country also recorded around 60 percent voter turnout in the House of Representatives elections held on Thursday.