Last Updated on December 29, 2025 5:56 pm by INDIAN AWAAZ
BALEN
AMN / NEWS DESK
Rapper-turned Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, popularly known as Balen, on Sunday joined the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) led by former television host-turned politician Rabi Lamichhane. The development follows a seven-point agreement outlining Balen’s integration into the party and his expected strategic leadership role.
Balen’s entry into the RSP is seen as a move that could significantly energise Nepal’s youth, particularly Generation Z voters. The agreement underscores a shared commitment to anti-corruption measures, governance reforms, and addressing the aspirations of younger generations.
RSP founder Rabi Lamichhane was recently released from jail after being detained in connection with fraud and organised crime cases linked to the alleged misappropriation of funds in Nepal’s cooperative sector. Lamichhane later won a parliamentary seat from Chitwan and went on to serve as Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister in the coalition government led by Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’.
The inclusion of Balen is aimed at positioning the RSP as a credible alternative to Nepal’s traditional political parties, including the CPN-UML, CPN (Maoist Centre), and the Nepali Congress. Party leaders believe the move will help broaden the RSP’s appeal beyond Lamichhane’s personal popularity and strengthen its organisational base nationwide.