Who is Balendra Shah?published at 00:31 GMT
Azadeh Moshiri
South Asia Correspondent
Image source, gettyBalendra Shah, commonly known as Balen, is a former rapper who served as the mayor of Kathmandu until January. His music, which has often critiqued Nepal’s political elite, played a significant role in his campaign.
At 35, he was in office during a wave of protests by Generation Z that led to the overthrow of the government and the calling of this election.
Shah, who joined the Rashtriya Swatantra Party (RSP) late last year, has won the Jhapa 5 constituency, defeating former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, who was ousted amid the protests.
Shah has largely avoided engaging with the media, dismissing inquiries from reporters on multiple occasions. This strategy has drawn criticism, with opponents suggesting it enables him to sidestep scrutiny regarding his tenure.
During his time as mayor, he faced accusations from rights groups for employing heavy-handed tactics against street vendors in an effort to maintain clear roads in the capital and regulate unlicensed businesses. Shah’s campaign has not issued a response to inquiries for comment.
Read more about Balendra Shah here.
Key Takeaways
- Balendra Shah, also known as Balen, was previously the mayor of Kathmandu.
- His music critiques the political elite in Nepal.
- Shah won the Jhapa 5 constituency against former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli.
- He has avoided press interactions, leading to criticism regarding his transparency.
- His mayoral tenure included contentious policies towards street vendors.
FAQ
Who is Balendra Shah?
He is a former rapper and the previous mayor of Kathmandu, now a political candidate.
What party does Balendra Shah belong to?
He is a member of the Rashtriya Swatantra Party (RSP).
What controversies surrounded his time as mayor?
Shah faced criticism for his aggressive stance against street vendors aimed at maintaining clear roads.
How has he engaged with the media?
Shah has largely avoided media interactions, prompting accusations of evading scrutiny.
What was the outcome of the recent election?
He won the Jhapa 5 constituency, defeating a significant political figure, KP Sharma Oli.
