Balen Shah's political rise in Nepal reflects a broader shift after youth-led protests
Associated Press
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Rapper-turned-politician Balendra Shah, Prime ministerial candidate of the Rastriya Swatantra Party greets his supporters during an election campaign rally in Chitwan, about 112 miles (180 kilometers) west of Kathmandu, Nepal, Friday, Feb. 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Niranjan Shrestha)A Rastriya Swatantra Party supporter photographs a friend in front of a large banner depicting party leader Balendra Shah during an election rally in Chitwan, approximately 180 kilometers (112 miles) west of Kathmandu, Nepal, Friday, Feb. 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Niranjan Shrestha)
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Rapper-turned-politician Balendra Shah, Prime ministerial candidate of the Rastriya Swatantra Party greets his supporters during an election campaign rally in Chitwan, about 112 miles (180 kilometers) west of Kathmandu, Nepal, Friday, Feb. 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Niranjan Shrestha)