Nepal, a neighboring country of India, is currently facing a deep political crisis. Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has announced his resignation. The anger of the youth is unabating, from Kathmandu to many parts of the country. The government’s decision to impose restrictions on social media has acted like fuel to the fire, leading to millions of students and youth taking to the streets.
The parliament building was besieged, and violent clashes and arson occurred in several places. The situation worsened to the point that even the Finance Minister and Foreign Minister were publicly surrounded. Amidst this chaotic environment, Oli announced his resignation. Now, the biggest question is who will take charge of Nepal. Currently, two names are most discussed: Balen Shah, the mayor of Kathmandu, and Dr. Shekhar Koirala, a senior leader of the Nepali Congress. Let’s take a look at these two potential figures.
**Youth Hero: Balen Shah**
Balen Shah, known as Balen Shah, has emerged as the most shining figure in the current political landscape of Nepal. He is the mayor of Kathmandu, and his popularity among the youth is immense. His specialty is that he connects with people not like a traditional politician, but as a youth leader.
Balen’s personality and style set him apart from others. Time Magazine included him in its Top 100 Global Personalities list in 2023. Many international media outlets, including The New York Times, have also written about his work and influence. His social media presence among the youth is so strong that a single post from him sparks debate across the country.
**From Rapper to Mayor**
Starting with engineering, he established himself as a rapper and then suddenly entered politics, winning the election for Mayor of Kathmandu. During the current movement, he openly supported the youth. This is why protesters now see him as the face of new politics and are demanding that he be given the command of national leadership.
**Second Biggest Face – Shekhar Koirala**
On the other hand, the name of Dr. Shekhar Koirala, a leader of the Nepali Congress, is also gaining momentum. He is a member of the party’s central working committee and a Member of Parliament of the second federal parliament of Nepal. He has a strong base from Morang district. Shekhar Koirala is not only a politician but has also been an academic. He also served as the Vice-Chancellor of the BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences.
The grip he has within the party can be gauged from the fact that he was the leader who received the most votes in the central working committee. In the party’s 14th general convention, he challenged Sher Bahadur Deuba for the post of president. Although he lost, he built a strong hold in the organization by uniting with the youth. Even now, his name is at the forefront of power within the Congress.