After the resignation of KP Sharma Oli, the question of electing a new prime minister has come up strongly in Nepal. Meanwhile, Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, or ‘Balen’, is receiving widespread support on social media. The leader, who was previously known as a rapper, later joined politics and gained considerable popularity among young activists.

NDTV reported that many activists are using the hashtag ‘Balen Dai, Take the Lead’ on social media to call for him to lead Nepal. After resigning, Balendra Shah advised the youth on Facebook to remain calm and be vigilant to avoid the risk of loss of life. He said, “Nepal will now be led by the youth” and stressed the importance of protecting state resources.

The Kathmandu Post editorial said that the country’s old ruling generation is leaving and a new generation of youth is leading the change in a democratic society. Old leaders like KP Sharma Oli, Sher Bahadur Deuba and Pushpakal Dahal are no longer seen as partners in the new Nepal.

The protesters have clearly called on Balendra Shah to resolve the crisis. Like the previous protests, this time too, the country needs to be led towards elections by electing a new leadership. The Kathmandu Post reminds us that it is essential for Nepal to take swift and decisive action under a new interim government and young leadership.