Balen Shah's political rise in Nepal reflects broader shift after youth-led protests

Mădălin Mihai

(26 Mar 2026) RESTRICTIONS SUMMARY: ASSOCIATED PRESS ARCHIVE: Chitwan, Nepal - 27 February 2026 1. Wide of crowd cheering for prime ministerial candidate and former rapper Balendra Shah during election campaigning, UPSOUND of his song playing in the background 2. Mid of supporters dancing and waving flags 3. SOUNDBITE (Nepali) Balendra Shah, prime ministerial candidate: “I have traveled thousands of kilometers in the country covering 35, 40 districts and during this time I have found that the