KATHMANDU, June 19: Former Indian Ambassador to Nepal, Ranjit Rae, has said that Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah (Balen) is possibly the most popular politician in Nepal today.
Speaking in an interview with an Indian news channel, Rae said Balen has become a symbol of hope for Nepal’s youth.
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“Balendra Shah, who is the mayor of Kathmandu, is also a rapper,” Rae said, “As of today, he may be the most popular political leader in Nepal.”
Rae noted that the dominance of older political leaders in Nepal has left the youth feeling disappointed. “Many of the current leaders in Nepal have already served as Prime Minister four or five times,” he said, “Young people are no longer expecting anything new from them.”
He also observed a rise in new political forces during this time of frustration. “Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) is one such emerging force that is popular among the youth,” Rae said, adding, “Even the pro-monarchy party Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) has gained traction.”
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