Rapper turned-Kathmandu mayor Balendra Shah, known as Balen, a popular elected official, joined the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) or national independent party, led by a former TV host-turned politician Rabi Lamichhane on Sunday, party officials said. The election commission says nearly 19 million of Nepal’s 30 million people are eligible to vote in the elections. Balen was in the spotlight after the protests and was an undeclared leader of the youngsters who led the September protests. Some critics have questioned Balen's role during the protests, saying he rarely appeared in public and only addressed supporters on social media. Lamichhane formed the RSP ahead of the 2022 elections and is popular for his anti-corruption campaign as a TV host.

Source: The Edge Markets December 29, 2025 07:35 UTC