Who Is Balendra Shah? Kathmandu Mayor Seen as Next Nepal PM After KP Oli Quits Amid Social Media Ban Protests

Following the resignation of KP Sharma Oli from the position of Nepal's Prime Minister, attention has swiftly turned toward an unlikely political figure, Balendra Shah, the independent mayor of Kathmandu. Known popularly as Balen, Shah is now being widely endorsed on social media as a potential candidate to lead the country amid rising youth unrest and demands for digital freedom.

Protests in Nepal Sparked by Social Media Ban Turn Deadly

The political crisis erupted after the Nepalese government imposed a sudden ban on 26 social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, sparking widespread protests led predominantly by Gen Z activists.

Demonstrations intensified across the country, particularly in the capital, where 18 protesters-mostly students-lost their lives in violent clashes with police. Nationwide, the death toll climbed to at least 19, with many more injured.

In the wake of the bloodshed and growing public outrage, Prime Minister KP Oli tendered his resignation on Monday evening. Although the social media ban was also lifted later that day, the damage had already been done-both politically and socially.

Who Is Balendra Shah? A Name in Trend After KP Oli's Resignation

Balendra Shah, 35, is not a career politician. Born in 1990 in Kathmandu, he is a civil engineer by training and holds a master's degree in structural engineering from Visvesvaraya Technological University in India.

Before entering politics, Balen gained popularity in Nepal's underground hip-hop scene, where his rap lyrics tackled corruption, inequality, and youth disillusionment. His outspoken nature and artistic background made him a relatable figure for Nepal's younger generation.

In 2022, he ran as an independent candidate in the Kathmandu mayoral election and won decisively, defeating major party representatives by a large margin. His campaign focused on urban development, anti-corruption, transparency, and civic reform-values that have continued to define his tenure as mayor.

Balendra Shah Recognized in Time Magazine's Top 100 Emerging Leaders

In 2023, Balen Shah was named among Time Magazine's Top 100 Emerging Leaders, a recognition that further solidified his image as a global changemaker. His popularity has since skyrocketed, especially among young Nepalis who feel disconnected from the country's traditional political class.

Balen Shah Voices Support for Youth Movement in Ongoing Nepal Protest

While not present at the protests himself, organisers had restricted participation to those under 28-Mayor Balen Shah offered his support to demonstrators in a heartfelt message shared online.

"We had said it clearly. This is the movement of Gen Z. Dear Gen Z, your murderer has resigned. Be restrained now. The loss of the country's money is the loss of our property. Now your generation will have to lead the country," Shah wrote in a Facebook post.

He further urged protesters to protect public and government property and consider engaging in dialogue with the Nepalese Army to determine the nation's political direction.

Will Balen Shah Become Next Prime Minister of Nepal?

Online platforms, newly restored after the lifted ban, were flooded with calls for Balen to step into a national leadership role. The hashtag #BalenForPM began trending on X (formerly Twitter) as users posted messages like, "Dear Balen, take the lead now or never. Nepal is behind you."

Others pointed to the 19 deaths as a stark symbol of the need for a new, accountable leadership and argued that Balen's clean image and outsider status made him the right person to lead the country out of its political gridlock as per the local news reports.

Despite growing public support, Shah has yet to formally announce any intentions of contesting the prime ministerial seat.