Biography

Balen Shah, popularly known as Balen, is a Nepali politician, structural engineer, and former rapper. He first gained recognition in the Nepali hip-hop scene, using his music to highlight youth issues and advocate against corruption. With a background in engineering, he has focused on urban infrastructure, public service improvements, and promoting transparency. After entering politics, he made history by winning the Kathmandu Metropolitan City mayoral election in 2022 as an independent candidate. In December 2025, he joined the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) and was elected as a member of the House of Representatives from Jhapa–5 in the 2026 general election, defeating former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli. His leadership style emphasizes reform, youth empowerment, and transparent governance, making him a symbol of generational change and a challenge to traditional political structures in Nepal.