The ‘One Man Army’ of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), Balendra ‘Balen’ Shah, has breathed new life and energy into both the party and its chairman, Rabi Lamichhane. The results and the popular vote in the March 5 election have once again proven the power of this ‘magical’ figure. While his popularity in Kathmandu was well-known—evidenced by the massive crowds that gathered whenever he appeared—few could have speculated that the ‘Balen craze’ would sweep the entire nation. By leaving traditional parties in a state of political turmoil, his popularity has fundamentally altered the political landscape and the status of the RSP.
The bitter truth is that before Balen’s formal alignment with the RSP, the party’s standing under Rabi Lamichhane was precarious. Critics claimed the RSP was facing its darkest hour. Lamichhane’s alleged involvement in cooperative fraud, money laundering, and other legal issues had pushed the party onto the defensive. Even during the GenZ movement, the RSP chair was held in Nakhu prison, with several cases registered against him in various district courts. Despite these hurdles, RSP cadres and leaders leveraged the momentum of the GenZ movement to help Lamichhane secure his release. Following his exit from jail, Lamichhane and his supporters hoped the youth movement would propel him to the Prime Minister’s office. Surprisingly, leading GenZ activists began criticizing his actions on social media, even starting trends against him. Amidst this friction, high-profile leaders Sumana Shrestha and Santosh Pariyar left the party, dealing a significant setback.
However, the tide turned suddenly. Sudan Gurung emerged to unite Balen, the RSP, and other forces. This strategic move revitalized the party and successfully captured public sentiment. Balen became the center of attraction; his ‘face value’ alone significantly enhanced the party’s ability to garner votes.
The election results proved the power of this alliance. Despite political fluctuations, the RSP led by Lamichhane secured nearly a two-thirds majority. While journalists and analysts had predicted RSP gains due to the GenZ movement and the negligence of old parties, the sheer scale of the landslide victory was unexpected. Even RSP leaders were surprised by the outcome. Beyond the victory itself, several crucial factors shifted the electoral scenario and the public’s mentality toward traditional parties.
The primary factor behind the shift was undoubtedly Balen. The public’s trust in him is near-total. While some argue he hasn’t yet achieved results that match the party’s current standing, one cannot deny that Balen is the ‘Midas’ of Nepali politics. His charm and aura prove he is a man of the masses. His recent political campaigns silenced those who questioned his fame; everywhere he went, massive crowds gathered just to catch a glimpse of him. Human chains lined the roads to greet him, a spectacle that directly translated into votes for the ‘Bell’ (the RSP electoral symbol).
Another key driver was Balen’s strategic alliance with the RSP. Although Balen presents as an individual, he is backed by a powerful network of GenZ activists, celebrities, content creators, and influential social media groups like Routine of Nepal band (RONB) and Men’s Room Reloaded (MRR). The names ‘Balen’ and ‘Ganti’ (the Bell) became synonymous. Even citizens not yet eligible to vote were swept up in the fervor. During the election, the common refrain was simply, ‘Vote for the Bell’. Voters often prioritized the symbol and Balen’s endorsement over the actual quality of individual candidates. Viral social media clips even showed voters outside Jhapa-5 claiming they ‘voted for Balen and the Bell’, cementing his role as the architect of this victory.
Furthermore, the RSP’s tactical move to project Balen as the upcoming Prime Minister played a significant role in capturing the public’s desire for youthful leadership. Had the RSP proposed any name other than Balen for the premiership, the strategy likely would have failed. Conversely, the repetitive rhetoric and perceived failures of veteran leaders paved the way for this ‘Balen and Bell’ victory. The election even transformed the Madhes region—traditionally a stronghold for regional Madhes-based parties. In a stunning shift, the RSP secured 30 out of 32 seats in the region. This was largely due to Balen’s influence; the Madhesi community sought a representative who could lead the government, and the RSP’s move to elevate a figure with Madheshi roots resonated deeply.
Despite this unbelievable victory, the RSP must remain alert. To maintain this favor, they must address public needs and navigate complex geopolitics. Balen and the RSP leadership must realize that this mandate is a cry for change from a public fed up with traditional politics. This is a golden opportunity for Balen and the RSP to succeed where old leaders failed—specifically in governance, economic development, and loyalty to the people. They must prioritize equality, equity, and social emancipation. If they fail, the Nepali electorate has shown time and again that they are not afraid to change their leaders once more.
