Nepal’s political scene just witnessed a dramatic twist as former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli crashed out of the Jhapa-5 race. Balen Shah of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), the charismatic ex-mayor and hip-hop artist, delivered a knockout blow, winning by nearly 50,000 votes. Preliminary counts from 165 seats indicate RSP is on track for a breakthrough, as per Election Commission updates.
The numbers tell the story: Shah amassed 68,348 votes against Oli’s meager 18,734, a gap of 49,614. This is the same Jhapa-5 where Oli dominated in 2017 and 2022. Shah’s triumph has spotlighted RSP’s rising star power, with the party naming him their PM hopeful even before the polls.
From Kathmandu’s bustling streets to the national stage, Balen Shah’s journey is the stuff of legend. Son of late Ayurvedic physician Ram Narayan Shah, he dove into public service post the devastating 2015 earthquake. Launching his music career in 2012, he evolved into a cultural icon before pivoting to politics. Elected Kathmandu mayor independently in 2022, he resigned in early 2026 to chase national ambitions, joining RSP soon after.
Oli’s loss stings particularly, given his past successes on this turf. Shah’s campaign tapped into youth energy and anti-establishment sentiment, contrasting Oli’s long tenure. Kathmandu Post reports highlight how this win has electrified supporters nationwide.
With RSP’s strong showing, Nepal braces for turbulent negotiations. Shah’s blend of street cred and policy savvy could herald a fresh era, prioritizing urban renewal and youth empowerment. As final tallies emerge, the rapper-politician’s star keeps shining brighter.