How did Prime Ministerial candidate Balen Shah become the favorite of the people of Nepal in just three years? Journey from rapper to politics

By Samira Vishwas On Dec 29, 2025

Balen Shah Prime Minister Candidate: capital of nepal kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah alias Balen Shah was declared the Prime Ministerial candidate. Balen Shah and Rashtriya Swatantra Party (RSP) have made a historic agreement to jointly contest the upcoming elections to be held on March 5. Under this alliance, Balen Shah will be the leader of the parliamentary party and a possible candidate for the post of Prime Minister, while RSP President Ravi Lamichhane will remain in his post.

According to BBC Nepali report, a seven-point agreement was signed between the two sides early on Sunday. According to the agreement, the future organization of both the parties will be established in the name of ‘Rashtriya Swatantra Party’ and Balen Shah will contest the elections on the election symbol of RSP.

From mayor to prime ministerial candidate

Balen Shah was elected Mayor of Kathmandu Municipal Corporation for the first time in the year 2022. He was in the fray as an independent candidate and defeated Srijana Singh of Nepali Congress. In that election, Shah got 61,767 votes, while Srijana Singh could collect only 38,341 votes. His victorious campaign highlighted the possibilities of new energy and youth leadership in Nepalese politics. Oli’s party candidate Keshav Satpit was at third place. Balen Shah’s popularity is immense not only in Nepal but also among the Nepali community living abroad.

Balen Shah’s journey and influence

Balen Shah is not only a politician but also a popular rapper and civil engineer. While sharing his political vision in the local elections in 2017, he said, “I will cast my vote for myself in the next elections. I want the progress of my country and for this I cannot depend on anyone else.”

Nepali social media is imagining a new political equation: Rabi Lamichhane leading RSP and Balen Shah as PM candidate.No official confirmation yet but the discussion shows one thing clearly.Do you want this equation? pic.twitter.com/OLMxDubVYb
— We Love Nepal (@Weloveenepal) December 28, 2025

Upcoming elections and challenges

In the elections to be held on March 5, the challenge from Balen Shah and RSP will be bigger than the established parties of Nepal. The hopes of the youth and the general public are linked to this alliance. Balen Shah’s experience, popularity and new political outlook can give him special strength in this election.