Balendra Shah, famously known as “Balen” in his youth. Shah was born in 1990 in the capital city, Kathmandu. He belongs to a Newar Buddhist family of Maithil Madhesi origin and created a name for himself in the hip-hop setting. Moreover, he is an engineer, rapper, and Gen Z supporter, and has currently become the mayor of the metropolitan city with the heavy support of the young Gen Z generation. Furthermore, Shah studied civil engineering in Nepal. Furthermore, he holds a master’s degree in structural engineering from India’s “Visvesvaraya Technological University.“
As we know, as a rapper, he addresses social issues such as inequality, corruption, and government injustice in his music. Gen Z likes his lyrics. Therefore, he has a heavy fan following of around 800,000 on Instagram. Also, he is most popular on Facebook.
Additionally, he is the new mayor of Nepal. In the spotlight after deadly protests prompted the resignation of Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Sharma Oli (KP Sharma Oli).
During these protests, which have caused a tragic loss of life and widespread arson. In the protests, people burned the Parliament building and the Prime Minister’s residence. So, Balen urged Gen Z to calm down rather than cause chaos—a striking balance that resonated with the youth. Shah’s mayoral ownership started May 30, 2022. Moreover, he wanted to remove corruption. Additionally, improved road traffic systems and promotion for Buddhist tourism.
Furthermore, in 2022, he took part in Kathmandu’s mayoral polls as an independent candidate. In the election, he won with more than 61,000 votes in his favor, defeating his other opponents. In the present condition, the rally of Gen Z is demanding that Shah be included in the interim council. Because they want Shah to control all matters of the country until the upcoming elections. And the elections will be held in the next 18 months. Moreover, in the reaction to the rally, Shah used the word “terrorist” about the former Prime Minister Oli. Furthermore, Shah says that Oli does not understand the pain and suffering of the people. Also, he is unable to control the matters of parliament.
So, in the result, we face a failed government. Personally, Shah did not join the protests. He said that this is a movement of the youth. So, some analysts and experts say that Balen Shah can play a key role between the young generation and civil society. Shah is trying to improve the private school system, curb tax evasion, and also monitor educational institutions. People want him as a long-term leader. In the protest situation, in a post on Facebook, he yearned for the protestors to exercise restraint and refrain from damaging public and government property. Furthermore, “The loss of the country’s money or property is the loss of you and our property. Now your generation will have to lead the country.”
Now, after becoming the new mayor, Shah has no detailed response to the calls. Reuters could not directly contact him. Since all his digital devices, like his mobile telephone, were switched off. Moreover, they requested his office for an interview with him.
