🗞️ Latest Update: Balen Shah’s Big Move Into National Politics! 🇳🇵
🗞️ Latest Update: Balen Shah’s Big Move Into National Politics! 🇳🇵
Balendra “Balen” Shah, the charismatic former rapper-turned-Kathmandu Mayor, has made a major political shift that’s capturing headlines across Nepal. After shaking up local politics with his bold style and youth appeal, Balen has resigned as Mayor of Kathmandu to contest the upcoming House of Representatives election on March 5, 2026. 
🔥 From Kathmandu Mayor to National Stage
On January 18, 2026, Balen officially stepped down from his mayoral role — three and a half years into his five-year term — to enter the national election race. This wasn’t just any resignation: it marked his formal entry into party politics with the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP). 
At the RSP office in Kathmandu, he was welcomed by party leaders and supporters, with crowds chanting slogans like “Ab ki baar Balen Sarkar!” (“This time, Balen Government!”). 
🎯 A High-Profile Electoral Challenge
Balen has filed his candidacy from Jhapa-5, a key constituency in eastern Nepal. What makes this race especially dramatic is that he’s running against KP Sharma Oli, a veteran leader and former Prime Minister, in his traditional political stronghold. 
This bold decision signals Balen’s ambition to become Prime Minister — not just a local leader. The RSP has even projected him as its prime ministerial candidate if the party can secure enough seats in Parliament. 
🗳️ Campaign Focus & Vision
In his early campaign efforts, Balen has emphasized stronger federalism and competence-based leadership over identity politics. Addressing supporters at a rally in Janakpur, he urged voters to support the RSP’s vision of empowering provinces and improving governance across Nepal. 
👥 Growing Support & Momentum
Youth support is visibly growing: in Damak (Jhapa), a UML youth chair recently quit his party to join Balen’s campaign, underlining shifting local dynamics ahead of the elections. 
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🔎 What This Means for Nepal’s Politics
Balen’s transition from a city mayor to a national political contender reflects a broader appetite for new leadership styles and youth-driven politics in Nepal. Whether he wins or loses, his entry has already energized political discussions and reshaped the narrative ahead of the March polls.
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📢 Stay tuned for more updates on Balen Shah’s election campaign and Nepal’s evolving political landscape! 🇳🇵
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