Story perspectives

Rapper-Major Balen Teams Up to Challenge Establishment

12/29/2025

Summary

Story summary

Balendra Shah, the rapper-turned-mayor known as Balen, has allied with Rabi Lamichhane before March 5 parliamentary elections.
Under their agreement, Balen would become prime minister if the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) wins.
The alliance aims to challenge parties that have ruled for over 30 years after youth-led protests against corruption left 77 dead.
Analysts say the move could attract young voters, with one million new voters registered since the protests.

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Story summary

Balendra Shah, the rapper-turned-mayor known as Balen, has allied with Rabi Lamichhane before March 5 parliamentary elections.
Under their agreement, Balen would become prime minister if the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) wins.
The alliance aims to challenge parties that have ruled for over 30 years after youth-led protests against corruption left 77 dead.
Analysts say the move could attract young voters, with one million new voters registered since the protests.