Kathmandu’s dynamic Mayor Balen Shah announced his resignation Sunday, paving the way for a parliamentary run in Nepal’s March 5 elections. The 36-year-old handed his formal resignation to Deputy Mayor Sunita Dangol, citing compliance with constitutional and local governance laws, just months shy of completing his term.

Over the last three-and-a-half years, Shah transformed Kathmandu’s urban landscape with bold infrastructure projects while building a massive youth following through sharp attacks on entrenched political corruption. His Rastriya Swatantra Party remains tight-lipped on his exact constituency, but insiders point to Jhapa-5—a direct challenge to ex-PM KP Sharma Oli’s stronghold.

This face-off isn’t new; Shah and Oli have locked horns publicly before. Shah’s star rose further after spearheading Gen Z protests last year, positioning him as a pivotal figure in assembling PM Sushila Karki’s coalition. His late-December merger with RSP includes a deal making him the party’s next parliamentary chief and PM hopeful.

From rapper and architect to independent mayor in 2022, Shah embodies Nepal’s rising independent voices against party machines. His aversion to media spotlight only amplifies his mystique. With elections looming, a Shah-Oli duel could redefine Nepal’s leadership race, blending urban reform zeal with national ambitions.