KATHMANDU: Balen Shah, popularly known as “Balen,” has been appointed as Nepal’s 43rd Prime Minister, making history as the first Prime Minister of Madhesi origin and the youngest to hold the office under Nepal’s parliamentary democratic system.
He was appointed on Friday by President Ram Chandra Paudel after the Rastriya Swatantra Party secured a decisive majority in the House of Representatives elections held on March 5.
Shah completed his schooling in Kathmandu, graduating from Alliance Academy for his SLC and V.S. Niketan for higher secondary education. He later earned a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from Himalayan WhiteHouse International College. In 2018, he completed his master’s degree in Structural Engineering from Nitte Meenakshi Institute of Technology in Bengaluru, India.
Alongside his academic journey, Shah built a strong identity in Nepal’s rap music scene. Before entering politics, he was widely recognized as a rapper whose songs often addressed issues such as corruption, inequality, and governance failures. His debut track “Sadak Balak,” released in 2012, gained attention, while his participation in the 2013 YouTube rap battle series “Raw Barz” further boosted his popularity.
In the 2022 local elections, Shah emerged as a surprise winner, securing the post of Mayor of Kathmandu as an independent candidate. Running under the lauro (stick) election symbol, he gained widespread support by promoting urban reform, cultural preservation, and transparent governance.
His unconventional campaign strategy, leveraging social media and podcast interviews, helped him connect with younger voters and distinguish himself from traditional political figures.
During his tenure as mayor, Shah gained recognition for his work in education, public health, environmental management, sanitation, and governance reforms, strengthening his political standing.
Ahead of the recent elections, Shah entered into a political alliance with Rabi Lamichhane-led Rastriya Swatantra Party under a seven-point agreement, positioning himself as the party’s prime ministerial candidate. He went on to defeat former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli from Jhapa-5, a constituency long considered a stronghold of the CPN-UML.
Shah’s rise was further amplified during the Gen-Z movement in September, which boosted his image as a reform-oriented leader with strong youth support.
With a growing reputation for reform and governance, expectations are high that Shah will steer the country toward improved governance and economic progress.
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