Rapper-turned-politician Balen Shah, the 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu, has become a leading contender for Nepal’s next prime minister ahead of the general election scheduled for March 5. Shah, popularly known as Balen, rose to prominence after a youth-led uprising in September last year toppled the government of then–Prime Minister K. P. Oli, an event in which 77 people were killed. Through a social media post, Shah urged young voters to prepare to lead the country, declaring that the time of their oppressors was over.

Constitutional law expert Bipin Adhikari noted Shah’s immense popularity, saying that buses entering Kathmandu often display stickers reading “Heading to Balen’s city.” Shah’s National Independent Party (RSP), a new centrist force, has pledged to maintain balanced foreign relations with Nepal’s two large neighbors. Reuters reported that Shah, who first entered politics as mayor in 2022, is now seen as the most likely candidate for prime minister.

As mayor, Shah earned praise for improving infrastructure, waste management, and health services in Kathmandu, though groups such as Human Rights Watch criticized him for using police to evict street vendors and the homeless. He resigned as mayor in January to contest the election.