Learn How a Rapper-Engineer Upended Nepal’s Political Guard

Former rapper and engineer Balen Shah is now the top choice for Nepal’s Prime Minister following the 5 March 2025 elections. He resigned as Kathmandu’s Mayor in January to join the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP). Shah’s rise follows a massive youth-led uprising that changed the government in September 2025.

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Balen Shah is 35 years old, and his background in tech and social media has helped him win over voters. He has successfully positioned himself as the main alternative to the older politicians who ruled Nepal for decades.

The Disruptor’s Rise: From Rap Battles to the Ballot Box

Balen Shah moved from being a structural engineer and hip-hop artist to a national leader. He first gained fame as the Mayor of Kathmandu. Now, he is challenging the veteran leader K.P. Sharma Oli in his home district. Shah’s campaign focuses on honesty and holding leaders accountable.


According to The Kathmandu Post, as reported by The Economic Times, initial trends indicate that Shah's party is leading in dozens of seats, signaling a "potential political realignment in Nepal." His plan for the country is to double the economy to $100 billion in five years and create 1.2 million jobs.

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As constitutional law expert Bipin Adhikari noted to Reuters, "Balen Shah is so popular that now buses coming to Kathmandu have stickers on them saying, 'Headed to Balen's city.'" This shows his popularity has spread far beyond the capital city.

How Will Balen Shah Navigate India and China?

Shah’s local plans are well-known, but his foreign policy is still a mystery. As the country’s leader, he would need to balance relations with India and China. He has reportedly shared angry posts on social media about foreign countries in the past, worrying some diplomats about his ability to handle international relations.


A report by The Daily Pioneer (2026) highlights these concerns, noting that Shah’s party manifesto curiously omitted several major China-backed infrastructure projects, such as the Damak Industrial Park. This makes people wonder if his plans for foreign relations are clear enough.

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The Guardian further emphasized this transparency gap, stating, "his lack of transparency on his foreign policy strategy, and how he intends to manage Nepal's delicate tussle between overpowering Indian and Chinese interests remains a concern for some voters." If Balen Shah acts too quickly or without a plan, it could hurt trade deals that Nepal needs to reach its goals.