By Deepak Joshi Pokhrel Politics usually hogs the media attention and this month has not been any different. Two distinct issues-  the uncultured behavior of our Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba in the just-concluded event to mark the birth anniversary of Lord Gautam Buddha in Lumbini and the gaining popularity of new entrant, Balen Shah, in the Kathmandu political spectrum - have dominated our coffee talks and launch breaks. On one hand, we have our PM Deuba who became the laughing stock due to his unacceptable behavior in Lumbini. On the other hand, the new entrant - Balen Shah - and his growing popularity among the people mainly the youth has given our leaders of all hues a big headache The local election has just been concluded and the vote counting has almost completed. It has thrown us many surprises. First, the independent candidate Balen Shah is likely to win as Kathmandu mayor. Given the lead in the vote count, his victory seems nearing reality.  Second, the win of CPN-UML candidate Sunita Dangol as vice mayor has also come out of the blue. Let’s hope that the two youths, Balen Shah, if he happens to win the election and Sunita Dangol facelift the Kathmandu setting example for others to follow in their footstep. As the newcomer, Balen Shah, an independent candidate for Kathmandu mayor has already crated his niche among the voters primarily the youth and giving nightmares to our leaders of all parties, it is prudent to assess what made him so popular among people winning over their hearts. Balendra Shah or Balen Shah was born on 27 April 1990. He has done his Bachelors in Engineering in Civil from the White House Institute of Science and Technology. He has completed his Masters of Technology in Structural Engineering from VTU, Karnataka, India. He is the younger son of Dr. Ram Narayan Shah, an Ayurvedic doctor at D.G. of Ayurveda Department Teku, Kathmandu and Dhruva Devi Shah (also known as Shanti Shah). His father is also a part-time lecturer and former Managing Director at Singhdurbar Vaidhyakhana. He has also achieved the certificate of Therapeutic Yoga. After decades of struggles, we overthrew a tyrant and despotic monarch. We believed that the end of the monarchy will mark the dawn of a new era in the process of prosperity. We also hoped that elected leaders will end the misrule, and poor governance and kick off much-needed development ensuring lasting peace and sustainable development. Most importantly, we expected the transformation of the nation from all perspectives - socio-economic, cultural and political Contrary to people’s expectations, we have democratically elected leaders who are acting as the new king. They became the ruler rather than the political leader serving the general public. They didn't care about the day to day problems of people who are struggling for mere survival. Their utter failure to give up their ego, stubbornness and attitude have compelled people to think of alternatives and who knows it could be Balen Shah and alike. Many see Balen as a leader with dignity, knowledge, integrity and charisma. They say that he has a vision and agenda to move forward which is unthinkable among our present leaders of all parties. They also feel that Balen has all abilities to clean the mess created by our politicians who are ruthless, unaccountable, un-transparent and self-centred. More than anything else, Balen has won over the heart of Nepalese especially youths with his passionate, no-nonsense talks and no airy talks. He does not make lofty promises saying he will make Nepal, Switzerland within a decade. He even refused to demean his rival which is very uncommon and rare in our politics. It has been a common practice in Nepal to hurl and insult each other and spit venom against the rivals. The leaders are often seen engaged in blame game during the election campaign to woo the voters. But Balen has just been above that and puts his agenda and plan forward. His clear cut message that it is possible to make Kathmandu a livable and vibrant city was sufficient to convince people. But his emergence in the national political scenario has given many leaders a headache. If media reports are any guide, the CPN-UML candidate and two-time mayor of Kathmandu had said that Balen was just a kid with no political experience. He even went on the say that Balen was an international fraud and accused him of hiding his Madhesi identity. One needs to tell him that Nepali is just Nepal whether he/she hails from Mountain, Hill or Tarai. His words seem to drive a wedge between Hill and Madhesh. Balen is truly a leader in the making. With his clear agenda and far-sighted vision, he has given the clear message that Nepalese are wary of leaders who makes a promise but never translate them into action. This has been the hallmark of our leaders ever since we restored democracy. But Balen has risen to the occasion and roaring to do what he says. His rise is a challenge to the status quo. Win or lose, his rise proves that the Nepali electorate will listen to a voice irrespective of age, gender or political affiliation. There is a vacuum to be filled and the country desperately needs it.