Kathmandu, Sept 18: Kathmandu Metropolitan City Mayor Balen Shah has become increasingly enigmatic as debate grows over his role in Nepal’s “Gen-Z Movement.” While political leaders speculate that Shah masterminded the protests, he has avoided public events, fueling curiosity about his whereabouts.
The Gen-Z demonstrations, which opposed corruption and demanded reform, were met with state crackdowns and violent clashes. So far, 74 people have been confirmed dead, and the government has declared them martyrs.
Families remain in mourning, yet the man widely linked to the movement, Balen Shah, has not appeared in person — instead posting only sporadic comments on social media.
Support without presence
Before the protests, Shah posted on Facebook expressing full support for a youth-led anti-corruption rally on September 8 (Bhadra 23). He described the gathering as a spontaneous event for people under 28, warning political parties and activists not to exploit it for personal gain. Claiming he was “too old” to attend, Shah encouraged young people to decide what kind of nation they wanted to see.
The next day, after violence erupted and 19 young protesters were killed, Shah lashed out at then-Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli in a midnight Facebook post, labeling him a “terrorist” with the hashtag #kpoliisterrorist.
After 19 people were killed during the nationwide protest organized by the Gen-Z group on Monday, Kathmandu Metropolitan City Mayor Balen Shah sharply criticized former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli.
Following the incidents, Shah wrote a strongly worded Facebook post at midnight targeting Oli:
“You’ve only ever been a boss to your cronies. Had you ever truly been a father, you would understand the pain of losing sons and daughters. The world has never seen terrorism like this. You couldn’t even become a decent human being, let alone a leader — you’re a terrorist.”
Despite repeated warnings from demonstrators, Shah stayed off the streets and didn’t lead directly. On September 9 (Bhadra 24), as anger and vandalism escalated and major infrastructure came under attack, Oli resigned but the destruction continued. At 3:15 p.m., Shah urged Gen-Z activists to remain calm, warning that public property damage ultimately harmed everyone. He added that their generation would soon have to lead the nation and suggested preparing for talks with the Nepal Army — but only after parliament’s dissolution.
Behind-the-scenes negotiations
After the army intervened to restore order, reports emerged that Shah had been in contact with military leaders, encouraging negotiations. Meetings between the army, Gen-Z representatives, and the president culminated in former Chief Justice Sushila Karki being appointed interim prime minister. Although Shah was considered a top choice for the premiership, he declined, saying leadership should emerge through elections.
Shah later praised Gen-Z protesters’ maturity and supported Karki’s interim government in another Facebook statement. He urged young aspirants not to rush for power, emphasizing that their integrity was needed for the long term.
Meanwhile, Shah’s legal adviser, advocate Om Prakash Aryal, became Minister for Home Affairs and Minister for Law — a move linking Shah to post-uprising decision-making. Aryal, involved in army and presidential negotiations, is now seen as a close confidant whose actions may reflect on Shah himself.
Absence from public eye
Despite the uprising’s success and a government formed largely in line with his calls, Shah did not attend Karki’s swearing-in, visit bereaved families, or inspect damaged infrastructure. This absence contrasts sharply with his past as a hands-on mayor, once fining people for littering after rallies.
So-called activist like Sudan Gurung and real Gen Z Miraj Dhungana, said to have ties to Shah, remain vocal, while Dharan Mayor Harka Sampang has accused Shah of “hiding” and labeled him a “gamer, not a leader.” The debate over who truly orchestrated the Gen-Z revolution continues.
For many Nepalis, however, trust in Balen Shah endures. Though he stayed offstage during the turmoil, citizens still associate his name with the historic Gen-Z uprising — leaving a lingering mystery about his true role and future political ambitions. #balen #GenZ #protest
