Balendra Shah, widely known as Balen, has emerged as the face of Nepal’s youth. As Kathmandu’s mayor, he stood shoulder-to-shoulder with student protesters after a controversial social media ban sparked nationwide rallies and clashes.
Supporters see him as a transformative leader, with many in the capital demanding swift, transparent change.
Who is Balen Shah?
Born in 1990 in Naradevi, Kathmandu, Balen hails from a Newar Buddhist family with Maithil Madhesi roots.
He studied civil engineering in Kathmandu and later earned a master’s degree in structural engineering from a university in Karnataka, India.
Before entering politics, Balen gained prominence as a rapper and writer in Nepal’s vibrant Nephop scene. This unique blend of engineer, artist, and organiser has shaped his distinctive public persona.
From rapper to mayor of Kathmandu
In 2022, Balen ran as an independent candidate and won the mayoral election in Kathmandu, becoming the first independent to hold the office.
His administration introduced live-streamed council meetings, allowing residents to witness decision-making in real time.
His team prioritized solid waste management, traffic control, and basic services while promoting Buddhist heritage sites to boost responsible tourism and foster civic pride.
A record of bold action and controversy
Balen’s tenure has been marked by decisive moves, including crackdowns on unlawful encroachments, ordering agencies to remove unapproved structures. These actions sparked court battles and heated debates.
A standoff over riverside squatter settlements led to injuries, with blame exchanged on both sides. Rights groups criticised the use of force against street vendors, prompting Balen to stage a 199-hour sit-in outside city hall, after which he agreed to issue time-bound permits and return seized goods.
Supporters argue his policies have brought order to the city, while critics stress the need for better support for the poor before enforcing tough measures.
Fuelling protests and a call for national leadership
The government’s recent social media ban ignited widespread protests, perceived as an attempt to silence youth voices.
As demonstrations turned deadly, the ban was lifted, and the prime minister resigned.
Balen supported the students, advocating for reform over chaos.
Social media campaigns hailed him as the voice of a new generation, with some urging him to lead an interim national government. His reputation as an honest, action-oriented leader fuelled this growing momentum.
A staunch voice for national pride
Known for his left-leaning stance, Balen holds firm views on sovereignty. He placed a Greater Nepal map in his office, sparking controversy in India.
In 2023, he demanded that cinemas halt screenings of a film until an offensive line was removed, though courts intervened, and the issue subsided.
These actions have made him a polarising figure, celebrated by some as a fearless advocate and viewed by others as provocative.
For many young Nepalis, his boldness resonates: speak truth to power, no matter the target.
Balen shah’s anti-India stance sparks controversy
Kathmandu’s mayor, Balen Shah, has stirred significant controversy with his vocal support for the Greater Nepal theory, which claims that states in Northeast India should be “returned” to Nepal.
In 2023, Shah placed a map of Greater Nepal in his office, triggering outrage in India.
Further escalating tensions, Shah imposed a ban on screening Indian movies within Kathmandu’s city limits, specifically demanding the removal of a line from the film Adipurush that described Sita as “the daughter of India.”
This decision prompted a petition to Nepal’s Supreme Court, resulting in the Patan High Court issuing an interim order against the ban.
Defiant, Shah took to Facebook, refusing to comply with the court’s ruling, claiming it contradicted Nepal’s interests and accusing both the federal government and judiciary of being influenced by India.
His remarks led to a writ petition filed in the Supreme Court, charging him with contempt of court. Despite his public defiance, Shah relented the following day, allowing Indian films to be screened in Kathmandu.
What a Balen-Led future for Nepal might hold
Should Balen transition from city hall to national leadership, delivering at scale will be his greatest challenge.
Key priorities would include job creation, price stabilisation, transparent tendering, and open data governance.
Protecting digital rights without resorting to blanket bans will be critical, as will providing clear zones and stable permits for vendors and informal workers.
Coordination between courts and city offices is essential to ensure fair enforcement. His strong stances on identity and borders will require careful management of foreign relations.
Balen emphasises on serving the public and maintaining peace. Political analysts while analysing the current political landscape in Nepal noted that, “Nepal’s Gen Z will watch closely, eager to see if a mayor can channel street energy into a national vision”.
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