New Delhi, March 8: In the recent general elections held on March 5 in Nepal, Prime Minister candidate Balen Shah, also known as Balen Shah, achieved a remarkable victory.
His party, the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), also recorded a historic win. Following this success, discussions have intensified regarding his citizenship and his transition from a rapper to a political figure.
Media reports indicate that debates surrounding Balen Shah’s surname have gained momentum. Previously, there was controversy regarding his citizenship. Until 2006, his original citizenship certificate listed the surname ‘Sah,’ which was later changed to ‘Shah.’
Subsequently, allegations were made against Balen Shah at the Ministry of Home Affairs, claiming he altered his surname without adhering to legal procedures. This could potentially violate sections 12 and 17(2) of the Citizenship Act of 2063.
With Balen Shah’s victory, conversations are also emerging about the end of traditional politics in Nepal. Once a rapper, he has now entered the political arena, leading to discussions about his multifaceted persona. While many recognize him as a renowned rapper, his supporters highlight his degree in structural engineering and his data-driven approach as the Mayor of Kathmandu as his greatest strengths.
Shunning conventional political pathways, he opted to engage with the public through social media. Often referred to as a leader of Generation Z, Balen Shah began connecting with people via platforms like Facebook.
However, critics label him as arrogant. His strict actions against illegal encroachments and vendors during his tenure as mayor have drawn criticism from human rights groups.
Following his electoral win, there is growing concern about how an artist with limited traditional diplomatic experience will manage Nepal’s relations with powerful neighbors like India and China. His past social media posts, where he criticized foreign powers, have now become a topic of discussion.
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KK/Piyush