Balen, Eying Prime Ministership, Quits as Kathmandu Mayor

Rapper-turned-politician Balendra (Balen) Shah, who won the Kathmandu Metropolitan City mayoral race in 2022 as an independent candidate, resigned on Sunday, January 18. His resignation follows an alliance with Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), to contest the upcoming House of Representatives elections scheduled for March 5.

The RSP has already named Shah as its prime ministerial candidate. Known for his outspoken criticism of CPN-UML Chair KP Sharma Oli, Shah is preparing to challenge Oli in his stronghold, Jhapa-5 constituency.

Shah submitted his resignation to Deputy Mayor Sunita Dangol, who will now serve as Acting Mayor of the metropolis.

Coming less than seven weeks before the polls, Shah’s move has electrified the election landscape. Political observers are divided, with some hailing it as a bold and strategic decision, while others see it as an ambitious gamble.

(Photo: Courtesy of Sudan Gurng/Facebook)

Sudan Gurung, founder of the non-profit organisation Hami Nepal, officially joined RSP on Sunday.

The two arrived at the RSP’s central office in Banasthali, Kathmandu, where they were formally welcomed by party chair Rabi Lamichhane, senior leaders and a large number of supporters.

Gurung, who rose to prominence as a key mediator following the youth-led protests in September, had earlier announced on social media that he and Shah would be officially joining the party the same day. He has also declared his intention to contest the upcoming HoR election from the Gorkha-1 constituency.

The RSP, which emerged as the fourth largest party in parliament dissolved in September, has positioned the entry of Shah and Gurung as a significant boost ahead of the March 5 elections.

(This news has been updated.)