Mayor Balen Shah faces backlash over controversial Facebook post

KATHMANDU: Kathmandu Mayor Balen Shah has once again drawn widespread controversy after posting an obscene and offensive status on Facebook late last night.

The post, which was deleted shortly after being uploaded, sparked strong public outrage and condemnation across social media.

In the post, Mayor Shah allegedly used vulgar language targeting several countries including India, China, and the United States, as well as major Nepali political parties such as Nepali Congress, CPN-UML, CPN (Maoist Centre), Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP). The incident has raised serious questions about his public image and sense of decorum.

Speculation had been rife that Shah was either planning to form a new political party or join the RSP. However, after his explicit remarks against RSP as well, political observers believe the gap between him and the party has now widened further.

Prominent figures from various sectors have criticized Shah’s action as inappropriate and unbecoming of a public official. Journalist and researcher Prof. Bhanu Bhakta Acharya wrote, “I saw Balen’s F**K status right when it was posted, but refrained from sharing it out of shame for the viewer rather than the doer. Balen seems to be in need of psychological counseling.”*

CPN-UML leader Mahesh Basnet remarked that Shah’s deleted post had exposed his true nature: “Balen’s latest act shows what kind of person he truly is. One can deceive some people for some time, but not everyone forever. His days of fooling the public are over.”

Education Minister Mahabir Pun indirectly mocked Shah, writing, “Some so-called activists and leaders seem to speak or write under certain influences. If they must do so, better not say or write anything during that time.”

Young entrepreneur Rabeen Pant commented, “Balen’s word choices reflect a distorted mindset. His post alone is enough to understand how destructive his thinking has become.”

Similarly, UML leader Bishnu Rijal accused the mayor of becoming a threat to the nation. “Balen Shah has crossed all limits and is becoming a danger to the country. Since marijuana is banned in Nepal, Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal should immediately arrest him before anarchy spreads,” Rijal wrote on social media.

This latest episode has reignited debate over the ethical and behavioral standards expected from public officeholders. It also adds to growing criticism that Shah, once seen as a symbol of youth-driven change, is now losing credibility amid allegations of erratic conduct and political opportunism.