Balen Shah’s Political Gamble Wins Public Mandate in Jhapa-5

Jhapa, Falgun 3: In politics, history is often written when someone dares to abandon the safe path and take an unimaginable risk. Balendra Shah (Balen), the 36-year-old engineer, former rapper, and ex-mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City, has done exactly that.

When Shah announced that he would contest elections in Jhapa-5, widely considered the political stronghold of CPN-UML chairman and former prime minister KP Sharma Oli, many critics dismissed the move as an immature political stunt or even a political suicide.

Oli had previously won the constituency with a margin of 28,576 votes, making the idea of defeating him in his own base seem nearly impossible for a party with limited grassroots organization. However, Shah not only managed the impossible but did so with a landslide victory.

Shah secured 68,348 votes, while Oli received 18,734 votes, resulting in a massive 49,614 vote margin in Shah’s favor.

From Rapper to Prime Ministerial Candidate

Born in Gaurigaun, Kathmandu, Shah is the son of Dr. Ram Narayan Shah, an Ayurvedic physician, and Dhruvadevi Shah. He completed his Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from White House Institute of Technology and later earned a Master’s degree in Structural Engineering from Visvesvaraya Technological University in Karnataka, India.

Before entering politics, Shah had already traveled to 65 districts across Nepal as part of his professional work.

Just four years ago, he was primarily known among younger audiences as a rapper and music artist. However, in the 2022 local elections, Shah emerged as an independent candidate and won the Kathmandu mayoral election, surprising political analysts and mainstream media alike. That victory revealed a major shift in voter psychology in Nepal.

Shah also proved capable of transforming his online popularity into real-world political support. During his tenure as mayor, his initiatives in urban development, education, and public service delivery increased his nationwide popularity.

Rejecting the Shortcut to Power

Shah’s political maturity was tested during the Gen-Z movement, which took place on Bhadra 23 and 24. After the protests, he reportedly received proposals from the streets themselves to become prime minister through a shortcut political route.

However, Shah rejected the offer, stating clearly:

“मेरो उद्देश्य प्रधानमन्त्री हुनुमात्र होइन, प्रणाली बसाल्नु हो, बदल्नु हो ।”

He could have chosen a safer constituency such as Kathmandu, but instead deliberately challenged the strongest political figure in the country.

Among his close circle, Shah reportedly said:

“प्रधानमन्त्री बन्ने हो भने प्रधानमन्त्रीकै उम्मेदवारलाई हराएर बन्नुपर्छ ।”

Campaign Strategy and Nationwide Momentum

Instead of focusing solely on one constituency, Shah embarked on an unprecedented nationwide road campaign, traveling across nearly two-thirds of the country within a few days.

At the same time, many top political leaders were largely confined to their own constituencies due to fear of defeat.

Shah’s confidence was fueled by the Gen-Z movement and growing public dissatisfaction toward traditional political parties.

Simple Speeches, Strong Message

Shah’s campaign speeches focused less on traditional political rhetoric and more on development and delivery.

After joining the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), Shah addressed a public gathering in Janakpur where he said:

“म काम गर्ने मान्छे हुँ, म काम गरेर देखाउँछु । मलाई काम गर्न अवसर दिनुहुन्छ ? काठमाडौं नगरवासीले अवसर दिए, काम गरेर देखाएँ ।”

He also explained the concept of federalism in a language easily understood by ordinary citizens:

“जनकपुरका प्रशासकीय अधिकृत फेर्न काठमाडौं जानुपर्ने अवस्था छ, हो कि होइन ? अधिकार माग्न होइन, पशुपतिनाथ दर्शन गर्न पो काठमाडौं जाने हो त !”

His conversational style during speeches allowed him to connect directly with voters, not only in Jhapa but across the country.

Many voters were unfamiliar with the Rastriya Swatantra Party itself, yet they recognized either the bell election symbol or Balen himself, which ultimately influenced their voting decisions.

Turning Challenges into a Wave of Support

The contest in Jhapa-5 was far from easy. The UML’s strong organizational structure, Oli’s political stature, and the absence of an electoral alliance created significant challenges for Shah.

However, two major factors worked in his favor.

First, Balen’s personal popularity combined with the rapidly rising momentum of the Rastriya Swatantra Party.

Second, the growing public frustration toward traditional parties, especially after the political developments surrounding the Bhadra protests.

Ultimately, voters broke away from traditional party loyalties and exercised what many observers described as a vote of conscience.

Not only young voters seeking change but also older generations placed their trust in Shah as an alternative to the established political leadership.

Beginning of a New Political Era

Shah’s victory in Jhapa-5 represents more than just a personal triumph or a party success. It reflects a powerful public message against what many perceive as an entrenched political system dominated by traditional parties.

His decision to take an unconventional political path has placed Nepal’s politics at the beginning of what many analysts describe as a new era.

The key question now is no longer how Shah won the election. Instead, the challenge lies in how he will carry the enormous public mandate into parliament and potentially into national leadership.

Observers also note that Shah faces the complex task of uniting leaders from diverse backgrounds who have come together under a shared vision for political reform.