Former Rapper Turned Mayor Leads Race for Nepal Prime Minister
Fine Day 102.3 • • world
Key Points:
- Balendra Shah, a 35-year-old former rapper known as 'Balen,' is the frontrunner to become Nepal's next prime minister after rising to prominence by criticizing the government through rap and winning Kathmandu's mayoral election in 2022.
- Shah gained national attention following deadly youth protests in September that led to the resignation of Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli, positioning himself as a symbol of change for Nepal’s younger generation.
- Representing the centrist Rastriya Swatantra Party, Shah promises balanced foreign relations with China and India, job creation, economic growth, and universal healthcare, challenging Nepal’s traditional political parties.
- His popularity is fueled by successful urban governance in Kathmandu, particularly in infrastructure and
