Kathmandu: From the classrooms of Karnataka to the heart of Nepal’s capitol, Balendra “Balen” Shah is emerging as an unexpected icon for change—especially among the Gen Z generation that recently ignited protests across the country.
Academic Roots in India Born in 1990 in Kathmandu, Balen Shah holds a Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Nepal.
He later pursued a Master’s in Structural Engineering in Karnataka, India. Sources point to Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU) as the institution where he studied.
Before his political life, Shah was active in Nepal’s underground hip‐hop scene—using his music to criticize corruption and inequality.
From Independent Mayor to National Aspirations
Shah was elected Mayor of Kathmandu in 2022, running as an independent and defeating mainstream party candidates by a sizable margin—over 61,000 votes.
He has built a reputation for hands-on civic action: tackling illegal construction, engaging directly with citizens, and introducing transparency in city governance.
The Gen Z Movement and “Balen for PM”
In September 2025, widespread youth-led protests (“Gen Z protests”) in Nepal turned violent after the government banned dozens of social media platforms. The protests grew rapidly over issues of corruption, 
of rights, and demands for political accountability.
After the violence and public outcry, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli resigned.
As the movement seeks credible leadership, many protesters and observers have floated Balen Shah as a possible contender for Prime Minister. His blend of outsider status, urban appeal, anti-corruption narrative, and India-schooling has many seeing him as a bridge between tradition and reform.
