From studying in Karnataka's Belagavi to being Gen Z's preferred pick for Nepal Prime Minister: Who is Balen Shah?

Famously known as Balen, Shah is the present mayor of Kathmandu. His entry to politics was seen as unconventional, but the nation saw him as a grounded candidate

As Nepal seemingly limps towards some normalisation after violent protests which led to the resignations of Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli and President Ramchandra Paudel, one name has been advocated for the position of the next Prime Minister, Balendra Shah.

More famously known as Balen, he is the present mayor of the capital city, Kathmandu. His entry to politics was seen as unconventional, but the nation saw him as a grounded candidate who is not shy to call out the challenges the country faces.

Shah was born in the capital city in 1990 to a Newar Buddhist family of Maithil Madhesi origin and created a name for himself in the hip-hop setting. His lyrics revolved around corruption, inequality and the desire for changes in the country.

He pursued civil engineering in Nepal, and completed his master's degree in structural engineering from Karnataka's Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU).

In 2022, he took part in Kathmandu's mayoral polls as an independent candidate, and secured a win with more than 61,000 votes in his favour, defeating competitors from other established parties.

In the face of the protests, he took to Facebook to show his support for the Gen Z protests.

As Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli finalized his resignation, the youth swarmed social media platforms to urge Balen to take the position and lead the country, calling him the best candidate available.

A user on X (formerly known as Twitter) wrote, "BALEN is one of the few capable PM candidates. Balen is Youth, well educated & he had a vision for his city which he implement on it. We have the most perfect PM infront of us!!" The support has been termed as a social media trend called the 'Balen effect,' showing overwhelming support for the rapper-turned-politician.

Another user posted, "Balen, your time is now. Take control and lead us to greater good," as the youth call him the 'voice of the Gen Z.'

An X user's post, stating "Dear Balen. Take LEAD now or Never," encourages the public sentiment for a leader that understands citizens and has gone viral amidst the protests.

Balen Shah's perspective on politics has been considered refreshing, a leader fit to lead the generation frustrated with the current governance. Echoing the need for justice, Balen continues to bear the torch for a new era in Nepal's administration.