Kathmandu, March 6 (NationPress) The emerging trends suggest that Nepal is poised to welcome a Millennial Prime Minister who will enter office buoyed by the enthusiasm of Gen Z supporters. Balendra Shah, known as Balen, does not embody the traditional image of a politician; instead, he resembles a vibrant musician and social media figure who deftly navigates the currents of fame.

“Balen thrives on improvisation. He often remarks that his lack of a plan is, in fact, his strategy,” shared Rajat Das Shreshtha, a prominent Kathmandu musician who participated in last year’s protests that led to the resignation of former Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli.

“He’s like a ghost; even those closest to him have no idea where he is headed or what his next move will be,” noted Syamantak Ghosh, a journalist from Delhi representing Germany’s Deutsche Welle, who is reporting on the Nepal elections.

“To Gen Z, he represents a beacon of hope,” Ghosh added. On March 2, as he departed from his office in Damak, Jhapa 5, around 50 enthusiastic fans from nearby streets surrounded his vehicle, chanting his name.

He acknowledged their excitement with a smile and agreed to take selfies as he drove away, leaving his fans in awe, cheering and waving as his SUV kicked up dust in the narrow lane.

Balen enjoys a flair for the dramatic. He often lifts his signature dark glasses and declares, “I love you,” to the adoring crowd, who can hardly contain their excitement. Despite this, he generally prefers solitude, opting to swiftly navigate through his constituency during campaign stops rather than engage with residents or hold rallies like other candidates.

Despite the throngs that gather whenever he is seen, Balen exercises caution. On one occasion, while driving on the highway, a media vehicle attempted to pass his car, capturing his image. He promptly pulled over and instructed his aides to kindly ask the media to refrain from such actions. They complied, but ultimately lost track of Balen in the ensuing chase.

Balen Shah, born on April 27, 1990, in Kathmandu, is a structural engineer-turned-rapper and an independent candidate who became the 15th mayor of the city in 2022.

Through his rap lyrics, which critique authority, and his strong social media presence, he had already established himself as a national figure. His emergence is characterized by a blend of street-level charm, adeptness with social media, and a commitment to revolutionize Nepal’s antiquated political structure.

As mayor, he focused on transparent, results-driven initiatives, anti-corruption messages, and a proactive approach that resonated well on social platforms and in grassroots politics. His status as a non-traditional politician allowed him to present himself as an outsider ready for reform.

Since entering the music scene in 2012, engaging in politically charged rap, Balen gained a public persona among younger Nepalis.

After resigning from his mayoral position, Balen’s influence expanded beyond Kathmandu. He aligned with the Rastriya Swatantra Party, emerging as a significant figure in the evolving political landscape, advocating for economic reform, empowering youth, and curbing brain drain.

His swift rise has positioned him as a contender for the Prime Minister's role, challenging the former Prime Minister, Oli, in his stronghold. Followers and media portray Balen as a symbol of a departure from traditional politics.

Balen’s appeal lies in his charisma, extensive digital presence, and reformist agenda that many believe could transform Nepal’s political landscape. According to his supporter Rajat, Balen considers the role of Prime Minister “easier” than that of a mayor, as the latter requires multiple clearances to effect change.

He may soon discover that in his new potential role, the clearances will need to come from a broader base: the people of Nepal.