Balen Shah: Engineer, rapper, mayor, disruptor — Nepal’s next PM at 35?

 Former Kathmandu mayor and rapper Balendra Shah, known as Balen, is challenging ex-PM KP Sharma Oli in Nepal’s parliamentary elections. Balen, who gained prominence through his protest songs and online following, is running on the Rastriya Swatantra Party ticket. His campaign resonates with young voters frustrated by corruption and political stagnation. Former Kathmandu mayor and rapper Balendra Shah, known as Balen, is challenging ex-PM KP Sharma Oli in Nepal’s parliamentary elections. Balen, who gained prominence through his protest songs and online following, is running on the Rastriya Swatantra Party ticket. His campaign resonates with young voters frustrated by corruption and political stagnation.