Balendra Shah, popularly known as Balen Shah, is one of the most talked-about public figures in Nepal today. Some people see him as a hero, a strong and bold leader trying to fix Kathmandu; for others, he is an inexperienced mayor who sometimes acts too harshly or emotionally.
So, is Balen Shah a good or bad person? To answer that, we need to look at both his positive sides and the criticisms against him. This article gives a complete, factual overview of his background, achievements, challenges, and what the public thinks about him.
Who is Balen Shah?
Balendra Shah was born in Kathmandu in 1990 and goes by the nickname Balen. He pursued a degree in civil engineering and later did his master’s in structural engineering from Visvesvaraya Technological University in India.
Before engaging in politics, Balen was already a household name in Nepal’s hip-hop and rap circles. He had enjoyed popularity due to his rap songs on social issues, corruption, and politics. Many youths admired him for using art to raise awareness and challenge the old political system.
Balen became the first independent candidate to be elected as the Mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City in 2022. His victory without the backing of big political parties was a signal that Nepali people wanted a change, especially the youth, and were tired of traditional politicians.
Main Goals and Promises of Balen Shah
When Balen ran for mayor, he promised to make Kathmandu cleaner, more organized, and corruption-free. His main goals were:
- For managing waste in the city.
- To control illegal constructions and land misuse.
- Digital governance and promotion of transparency:
- To develop better roads, drainage, and infrastructure.
- To make Kathmandu more systematic and livable.
He also said he wanted to make the government work more efficiently and minimize unnecessary political interference in city projects.
The Positive Sides of Balen Shah
Many people indeed praise Balen for his strong personality, bold decisions, and clear vision regarding the city. Here are some of his main achievements and good sides:
Independent and Youth-Friendly Leadership
Balen became a symbol of independent leadership in Nepal. He doesn’t represent any big political party, which differentiates him from most other leaders.
His election inspired many young people to believe they can also effect change without necessarily relying on traditional politics.
Technical Knowledge and Practical Thinking
With his engineering background, Balen approaches problems in a practical and technical manner.
He tends to apply his professional knowledge to plan infrastructure projects, road maintenance, and drainage improvements. This has brought a more scientific approach to the mayor’s office.
Focus on Transparency and Accountability
One of Balen’s first orders of business as mayor was to broadcast municipal meetings live so the public could see what was happening.
He also applies social media tools such as Facebook to communicate with citizens directly, share updates, and explain the decisions taken.
This has made the governance of cities more open and visible than ever.
Actions Against Illegal Structures
Balen initiated a campaign of demolishing illegally built structures in Kathmandu, particularly the ones blocking the course of rivers like the Tukucha and Bagmati.
This was controversial, but many supported him, saying it was about time someone took action in this regard to protect public land and the environment.
Determination and Hard Work
Even his critics acknowledge that Balen is hardworking and determined.
One can often find him visiting construction sites, inspecting drainage systems, or checking ongoing city projects himself.
This “hands-on” style of leadership has given him a reputation as a mayor who actually works on the ground and not just makes speeches.
Relating to the Public
Balen, as a rapper and public personality, connects with ordinary people and youth.
He uses simple language and social media to explain his plans and share his opinions.
Many Nepalis look up to him as a contemporary leader who understands their frustration and aspirations towards a better future.
Criticisms and Negative Sides of Balen Shah
Besides his achievements, Balen Shah has been criticized on several grounds.
Some feel that his leadership style is too aggressive, while others question whether he always acts within the law or, at least, equitably.
Aggressive Actions Against Street Vendors
One of the biggest criticisms against Balen is how he handled street vendors in Kathmandu.
His administration removed many street stalls, saying that they blocked the roads and caused public inconvenience.
However, videos surfaced of municipal police chasing and even beating vendors.
Critics argue that, instead of force, alternative business areas or support should have been provided to these low-income workers by the mayor.
Controversial Demolition Drives
Balen’s campaign of demolition to clear illegal structures created as many problems as it drew accolades.
Some property owners said they were not given enough time or legal notice before their buildings were destroyed.
There were also disputes between his office and government agencies like the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal, raising questions about coordination and legality.
Lack of Political Experience
Balen is a newcomer to politics, and some analysts consider him inexperienced in administration and the process of making laws.
While his energy and passion are strong, critics say that running a city like Kathmandu requires long-term planning, coordination with government ministries, and political diplomacy — areas in which he is still learning.
Confrontational and Emotional Behavior
Balen is known for using strong words and getting emotional, as seen from his social media posts.
Sometimes, his postings and speeches have been viewed as too personal or as confrontational to other leaders and journalists.
Critics say such behavior can harm his image as a serious administrator and make it difficult to build the partnerships needed for big projects.
Challenges in Waste Management
Although one of Kathmandu’s top priorities was waste management, Kathmandu still faces major garbage collection and landfill issues.
Trash usually piles up when there are protests or disputes involving the landfill areas.
Though Balen has tried to fix the problem, many feel the solutions have not yet been sustainable or long-term.
Centralized Decision-Making
Some officials at Kathmandu Metropolitan City say Balen has been making too many decisions all by himself without proper consultation with the municipal council or departments.
His one-man style of governance has been described by his supporters as efficient but by his critics as undemocratic.
Public Opinion: What Do People Think About Balen?
Public opinion about Balen Shah remains sharply divided.
To them, he is a strong, courageous leader who has at last acted decisively about the mess created by years of politicians. They admire his frankness, dynamism, and willingness to take unpopular stands against powerful interests.
The critics, however, consider him overly emotional; occasionally, making reckless decisions without always following through on how the social consequences of his policies will be perceived.
Balen enjoys a huge following on social media, especially among the youth.
Many supporters believe it is about time somebody took bold steps to change a system that has been corrupt and lazy for decades.
But older politicians and bureaucrats sometimes accuse him of being arrogant or inexperienced.
The Balance: Is He Good or Bad?
So, is Balen Shah a good or bad person?
From a neutral perspective, Balen Shah is not the perfect leader, but he certainly is a different kind of leader. He represents a new generation that wants action and accountability instead of long speeches and political games. What Balen’s Leadership Means for Nepal. The rise of Balen Shah is important for the political future of Nepal. He proves that independent candidates can win major positions, provided they know how to connect with the public and bring noticeable changes. He also proved that young leaders can challenge the old party system that has dominated Nepali politics for decades. If Balen is able to bring improvement in Kathmandu, it may encourage other independent leaders in other cities to contest local elections.
On the other hand, if he fails to show real progress, it could also make people lose their faith in independent politics. Challenges Ahead for Balen Shah. But Balen still faces a number of challenges: Sustaining Public Support: As time goes on, people will be expecting to see more and more results. It will be challenging to manage the public’s expectations. Working with the Central Government: He needs better coordination with federal ministries in order to complete big projects. Success will be determined by how his administration plans, and subsequently implements projects to build a professional team.
Learning from Criticism
He should learn not to be ruffled by media and political criticism. Long-term sustainability: not only must projects look good in the short term, but they need to bring long-term value into the city.
A Leader with Both Strengths and Weaknesses. Balen Shah is neither a hero nor a villain; he is a human being with both strengths and weaknesses. He has shown courage, independence, and new energy in a political culture that often lacks all three. At the same time, his leadership style sometimes seems emotional, and his behavior contributes to social and legal disputes. What he does next will determine whether Balen is remembered as a serious and effective reformer or a passing fad. If he learns to balance his boldness with empathy, planning, and collaboration, he could become one of Nepal’s most impactful modern leaders. But for now, it is fair to say: Balen Shah is not perfect, but his victory symbolizes change in a country that badly needs it.