Nepal’s political landscape shifted dramatically as Kathmandu Mayor Balen Shah tendered his resignation Sunday, eyeing a run in the March 5 parliamentary elections. Effective immediately per legal statutes, the move was relayed to Deputy Mayor Sunita Dangol after three-and-a-half impactful years steering the capital.
Known for his infrastructure overhauls and fierce independence, Shah—a rapper-architect—has captivated young voters disillusioned with corruption-plagued parties. His Rastriya Swatantra Party teases no details on his seat, yet Jhapa-5 buzz intensifies, setting up a blockbuster rivalry with KP Sharma Oli, whose past premiership saw heated exchanges.
Shah’s clout exploded after last year’s Gen Z-led protests, making him indispensable to PM Sushila Karki’s administration. A seven-point RSP pact from December crowns him as future parliamentary head and PM nominee. This comes after his landmark 2022 independent mayoral win, fueled by youth mobilization.
Media-shy and principled, Shah’s journey from cultural figure to power player highlights Nepal’s generational pivot. A potential Shah-Oli battle in Jhapa-5 isn’t just local—it’s a preview of national supremacy fights, promising to energize voters nationwide.