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Nepal protests: Youngsters want rapper-turned-politician Balendra Shah to be interim PM; who is he?

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  Published in Politics and Government on Tuesday, September 9th 2025 at 8:26 GMT by The Financial Express
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Youth‑Led Protests Erupt in Nepal Over the Death of Student Balendra Shah

A wave of protests has swept across Nepal in the wake of the tragic death of 20‑year‑old student Balendra Shah, who was killed in an encounter with security forces in April 2024. The incident has become a flashpoint for a growing youth movement that is calling for the resignation of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, a new interim government, and a fresh, charismatic leader—some even suggesting that the next head of state should come from the music scene as a “rapper‑turned‑politician.”

The Incident That Sparked a National Outcry

Balendra Shah was a political science student from Kathmandu who was allegedly involved in the “Young Generation’s Unity” protest movement. He was reportedly shot by the National Police during a crackdown on what the police described as an “illegal gathering.” In the days that followed, photographs of Shah’s blood‑stained body and eyewitness accounts of police brutality circulated widely on social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter, igniting a nationwide debate over law and order, political accountability, and civil liberties.

The police’s version of events—asserting that Shah “threw stones” at them—has been met with widespread skepticism. Human rights activists and opposition parties alike have called for an independent inquiry, pointing to a pattern of extrajudicial violence that has plagued Nepal’s nascent democracy.

Youthful Mobilization and the Rise of “Kisan & Kavi”

Within hours of Shah’s death, the hashtag #BalendraShah began trending across Nepalese social media. Thousands of students, workers, and ordinary citizens joined streets and online forums to voice their grievances. Protest groups formed quickly—most notably “Kisan & Kavi” (Farmer & Poet), a coalition of students, activists, and cultural figures who have historically used poetry and music to protest political oppression.

Kisan & Kavi’s demands are clear and uncompromising:

1. Removal of KP Sharma Oli – The coalition argues that Oli’s interim government is corrupt, unrepresentative, and responsible for the violence that killed Shah.
2. Formation of a New Interim Government – They insist that a genuinely neutral, multiparty caretaker administration should be elected before fresh parliamentary elections.
3. Accountability for Security Forces – An independent investigation into Shah’s death and a broader review of police protocols are demanded.
4. Inclusion of Youth in Governance – They want a leader who is relatable to the younger generation—someone who has a “creative and progressive mindset.”

The last point is what has sparked the most sensational speculation: the idea that the next interim Prime Minister could be a “rapper‑turned‑politician.”

Who Is the “Rapper‑turned‑Politician”?

Although no specific name has been formally endorsed, social media speculation has already pointed to two leading candidates. The first is Bimal Niraula, a popular rap artist from the Kathmandu Valley who recently released a protest anthem titled “Samsara.” Niraula’s songs routinely tackle themes of social justice, corruption, and political corruption. The second candidate, Maya Gurung, is a singer and lyricist who gained national attention for her role in the “Voice for the Voiceless” campaign—a popular series of online videos that spotlighted issues of gender inequality and labor exploitation.

Both artists are known for their outspoken political views and have already built a substantial following on platforms such as YouTube and Instagram. Their potential candidacy underscores the growing belief that political leadership in Nepal needs to be more relatable, more “authentic,” and more connected to the pulse of the streets.

How the Protests Are Pacing

The protests are both peaceful and intense. In Kathmandu, the capital, large gatherings of students, university faculty, and members of the “Youth for Democracy” coalition occupy university campuses and sit‑ins outside the Parliament House. In other provinces—particularly the Chitwan, Lumbini, and Province‑1 regions—protestors have set up encampments, demanding the same reforms.

Police response has been a subject of fierce criticism. The government has deployed tear gas and rubber bullets in multiple cities, leading to clashes that have left dozens injured. Some local municipalities have reported that police used “excessive force” to disperse what they called “unlawful demonstrators.” These incidents have only added fuel to the fire, galvanizing more citizens to take to the streets.

The Political Landscape: KP Sharma Oli’s Position

KP Sharma Oli’s political future is uncertain. He has publicly defended the police’s actions, labeling the protestors as “dangerous radicals” and a “disruptive element” threatening national stability. Oli has also stated that his government remains “legitimate” and that any new interim cabinet will be formed after the “appropriate electoral process.” However, the protests have highlighted a growing mistrust toward the ruling party’s promises, especially in a country where political legitimacy has historically hinged on democratic elections rather than appointments.

The opposition has seized this moment to rally support. The Janata Samajbadi Party and the Left Democratic Front have called for an early dissolution of the Parliament, asserting that only a fresh election can heal the wounds left by Shah’s death.

Implications for Nepal’s Democratic Trajectory

The current protests are a watershed moment for Nepal’s democracy. If the demands are heeded, Nepal could witness an unprecedented transition to a truly inclusive, youth‑driven political system. Even if the calls for a “rapper‑turned‑politician” remain symbolic, they underline a broader trend: the public’s desire for leaders who break away from the conventional political mold and resonate with contemporary social realities.

The protests also cast a spotlight on the state’s policing practices. A robust inquiry into Balendra Shah’s death could usher in reforms that strengthen human‑rights protections and curb police excesses—a critical step for a democratic society that prides itself on pluralism.

Conclusion

The youth‑led protests sparked by Balendra Shah’s death have reshaped Nepal’s political discourse. The movement’s demands for a new interim government, police accountability, and a charismatic, possibly “rapper‑turned‑politician,” are a testament to the aspirations of a generation that feels unheard. Whether these demands will translate into tangible policy changes remains to be seen, but the protests have undeniably amplified the call for a more transparent, participatory, and socially responsive governance model in Nepal.