CHITWAN, Nepal (AP) — In Chitwan district, a diverse crowd gathered in anticipation, swelling from small groups to large clusters. Schoolchildren donned uniforms, while elderly men steadied themselves on crutches. Many supporters proudly held portraits of Balendra Shah, the rapper-turned-politician, aloft, eager to catch a glimpse of him as they waited in excitement for hours.
When Shah finally arrived at the public ground, the atmosphere erupted in applause and cheers. His music streamed from loudspeakers, and the crowd's chants for his name filled the air. Shah's appearance was brief; he spoke for around five minutes before departing. Such scenes have become a hallmark of his campaign events as Nepal readies its roughly 19 million voters to cast their ballots, marking the first election a year after a youth-led uprising ousted the previous government.
Many devotees regard Shah, at 35, as the front-runner in the election. Tulasi Devi Shrestha, a 75-year-old supporter, expressed her excitement, saying, "I have seen him on television and on my mobile phone, but I wanted to see him in real life." Shah’s meteoric rise in Nepal’s political landscape has drawn significant attention.
In 2022, he disrupted the established political order by winning the mayoral race in Kathmandu against candidates from more traditional parties. His prominence soared amidst public discontent when the Himalayan nation faced upheaval in 2025, highlighted by a youth-led uprising that resulted in the government’s fall. Now, poised for crucial polls, many of his supporters envision him as the country's next prime minister.
Shah’s National Independent Party poses a direct challenge to the long-standing Nepali Congress and the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist), parties that have alternated power for decades. The established political entities are grappling with public dissatisfaction, while Shah has resonated with younger voters eager for change. His outsider appeal positions him uniquely against former Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Oli, who lost power during the recent uprising.
Despite being labeled a populist by critics, many supporters remain steadfast in their belief that he symbolizes a critical departure from the old political elite. "In my whole life, I have seen so many politicians come and go, but I love his energy and I am hopeful that he will bring some change," said Shrestha, reflecting the optimism of many in the crowd.
Shah’s momentum leading into the elections is fueled by a combination of his unconventional background as a rapper and political activism that resonates with the youth. His rallies continue to draw large crowds, showcasing widespread support across different demographics in Nepal. The outcome of this pivotal election could fundamentally reshape the political landscape of Nepal and determine the nation's direction in the years ahead.
