Balendra Shah, known for making statements against India, poised to assume the premiership of Nepal

Shah’s party heading towards a majority in the general elections

Kathmandu (Nepal) – Balendra Shah, who rose from being a rapper to a politician and gained prominence during protests in Nepal, is set to create history. In the ongoing national election vote counting on March 6, Shah’s Rastriya Swatantra Party has emerged as the largest party. By afternoon, it was leading in 100 seats. The Nepali Congress was in second place with leads in 12 seats, while the party of former Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli was ahead in 9 seats.

In this backdrop, discussions have intensified that the 35-year-old Balendra Shah may become Nepal’s youngest Prime Minister. If he assumes office, questions are being raised about how it may affect Nepal’s relations with India.

Who is Balendra Shah ?

Balendra Shah was born in Kathmandu in the family of a government Ayurvedic physician. He completed his engineering education in Kathmandu and later obtained a postgraduate degree in Structural Engineering from Visvesvaraya Technological University in Karnataka, India.

After completing his studies, Shah pursued a career in music and gained popularity as a rapper. Many of his songs criticised Nepal’s political system. In 2022, he entered politics and, contesting as an independent candidate, won the Kathmandu mayoral election with 61,767 votes. Following the protests last year and the resignation of former Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli, Shah became active in national-level politics.

History of statements against India

Balendra Shah has previously made several statements critical of India. On one occasion, he referred to the Nepal Government as a “slave of India.” As Mayor of Kathmandu, he banned the screening of the Indian film Adipurush, stating that the film described Mata Sita as the daughter of India instead of Nepal.

In 2025, Shah also posted a controversial message on social media using derogatory words about India, the United States and China. Although the message was later deleted, it had sparked widespread debate.

Stand on relations with India

Regarding Shah’s foreign policy approach, Rastriya Swatantra Party spokesperson Manish Jha stated that Nepal must maintain balance in a complex geopolitical and economic environment. He said the party would follow a neutral and balanced foreign policy and would not lean towards any particular country. It will focus primarily on good governance rather than political allegations.