Balen’s ‘craze’ and the March 21 election

Balendra Shah (Balen), the then Mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City, resigned from his post on January 19 and jumped into national politics, which many termed as ‘political suicide’. However, the engineer mayor, who emerged with a huge margin in the 2079 local elections, has surrendered himself to the labyrinth of parliamentary politics with the dream of entering Singha Durbar with one and a half years left in his term. It was not just a resignation, but a serious challenge to the traditional power centres and a declaration of the ambitious rise of a new force.

Balen’s challenge in Oli’s stronghold and the tug-of-war of ‘Jhapa-5’

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Balen’s choice of Jhapa-5, the constituency of CPN-UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli, is a big political message and a meaningful step in itself. Balen’s support rally seen on the streets of Jhapa on the same day of filing his candidacy on January 6 has heated up the politics of the center. While Balen is out on a tour of the country, his wife Sabina Kafle is leading the door-to-door campaign in Jhapa.

Interestingly, his main rival Oli had said that he was ready to have a public debate with the prime ministerial candidate, but Balen denied it on Facebook. Balen now seems to be more interested in the strategy of expanding the relationship than the dialogue. Balen remained silent during meetings with his supporters and well-wishers in Jhapa, but his secretariat kept meticulously noting down every complaint of the locals. This silence may be a prelude to some bigger plan for the future, which has made this election a battle for personal prestige.

From Madhes to the hills, many listeners, few who speak

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Balen’s tour of the country began on January 5 from Janakpur, where he was seen on the same stage with Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) President Rabi Lamichhane. Addressing in Maithili, Balen started a serious debate — the true meaning of federalism. “Kathmandu is not a place to beg for rights, it is a place to visit. Balen’s statement that he should go to see Pashupati and Swayambhu, not to ask for rights, tried to touch the psychology of Madhesi voters.

After Janakpur, Balen’s journey from east to west began. From Chainpur in Sankhuwasabha to Pathibhara of Taplejung and Myanglung of Tehrathum, he adopted the same style — listening to the citizens but not responding much. According to his secretariat, he is now understanding the geography and the situation. Balen’s ‘silent diplomacy’, which notes the grievances of the people without saying much, has aroused more curiosity and attraction among the voters.

Balen’s ‘Celebrity’ avatar and Dotelli Moh in the Far-West

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Balen, who landed in Nepalgunj on January 22, has now reached the remote districts of the far-western region. Balen’s craze is no less than that of a big movie hero when he reaches Martadi of Bajura via Dadeldhura, Baitadi, Darchula. His style of coming out of the sunroof of the car, waving his hand and sometimes even giving a ‘flying kiss’ has enthralled the youth.

His popularity graph has skyrocketed after posting on social media in Doteli language, “Far away now, no far, jhikkai jikkai Maya Tamai 1.” By posting pictures taken in the snow, he is trying to connect himself with the geography of the distance. But the question still remains: Will this crowd, the lure of selfies and applause become a vote in the ‘bell’ on March 21

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Balance at Ravi Hospital, Balen Road

Balen’s single-mindedness has also sparked a new debate on the internal balance of power within the RSP. President Rabi Lamichhane is currently undergoing treatment at the Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital for a leg injury. In the initial days, the RSP used to promote the program with only Balen’s photo, but now it has started giving priority to Ravi’s photo in the poster.

Putting Ravi in front of the posters titled ‘Senior Leader Balendra Shah (Balen) Public Relations and Bell Greetings’ indicates an attempt to balance power and seniority within the party. Balen’s solo ‘show’ has not overshadowed other party leaders. Balen, who entered the party with a 7-point agreement, has been proposed by the RSP as the next prime minister, but how this equation of the two top leaders will move forward is a matter of waiting.

Voters looking for work on March 21

For Balen, who has shown a glimpse of ‘socialism’ by trying to improve education and health in Kathmandu Metropolitan City, this country is a litmus test. He has listened to the problems of the people by walking in most of the places. He seems to be steadfast in his campaign despite the controversy over the car and the silence in some places.

Balen’s visit to the country is not just an election campaign, it is also a great exercise in understanding the psychology of the Nepali voters. The March 21 election will not only decide Balen’s fate but also the future of politics that is said to be an alternative in Nepal. People are no longer looking for assurances and old gossip, but for the ability to work and honesty.

Politics doesn’t just run on emotion and applause

This journey started by Balen Shah with the post of Mayor of Kathmandu and a secure future at stake is an unprecedented experiment in Nepalese politics. The level of craze and mass wave that Balen has garnered from the mountains of the Far-West to the regions of Jhapa has made the old and established parties tremble in Baluwatar and Sanepa. But the biggest challenge for Balen is to turn the selfie crowd that flocked to see him into a ‘vote’ at the polling station.

Politics does not run only on emotion and applause, it also requires a strong organization and electoral arithmetic. Winning the trust of the people by breaking the accusation of ‘irresponsible’ against him for leaving the mayor’s term midway will be like chewing iron flakes for him. Whether it’s the fight with KP Oli in Jhapa-5 or the balance of power with Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RSP) — Balen has mountains of challenges in front of him.

Finally,

The results of March 21 will not only decide the political height of Balen, but it will also decide the political height of Balen and the real future of politics that is considered an alternative in Nepal. Will Balen really become a ‘game changer’ in Nepali politics?