Here are the latest updates on Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah (Balen) as of late May 2025:
๐️ Kathmandu Tower Controversy
Mayor Balen Shah has alleged significant policy-level corruption in the approval process of the Kathmandu Tower project. He claims that unauthorized modifications to the building's design, including an increase from 12 to 19 floors, could result in financial losses exceeding Rs 1 billion for the city. Shah has accused Chief Administrative Officer Saroj Guragain of approving the revised design without proper authorization, bypassing necessary consultations and environmental assessments. This has led to internal conflicts within the Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC), with Shah barring Guragain from entering the municipal office, a move contested by Deputy Mayor Sunita Dangol and other officials .myRepublica+2myRepublica+2Nepal News+2Nepal News+4Nepal News+4myRepublica+4
⚖️ Administrative Disputes and Legal Challenges
The dispute over Guragain's suspension has escalated, with the federal government reinstating him, citing lack of proven allegations. In response, Shah has taken a firm stance, even threatening drastic actions if municipal employees, including sanitation workers, do not receive their overdue salaries. This standoff has led to operational paralysis within the KMC, with unpaid employees and halted services, prompting criticism from various quarters .Nepal News
๐️ Political Activism and National Issues
Mayor Shah has been vocal on national political matters. He publicly supported the Supreme Court's verdict in the Giri Bandhu Tea Estate corruption case, accusing former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli of orchestrating a "Rs 100 billion scam" and challenging him to return alleged advance payments from land buyers .Wikipedia
Additionally, Shah's comments on sanitation workers' unpaid salaries have been interpreted by some as aligning with pro-monarchy sentiments, especially amid ongoing pro-monarchy protests in Nepal. While Shah has not explicitly endorsed the monarchy, his statements have sparked debates about his political leanings .Nepal News+1Wikipedia+1
๐ Recent Developments
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Office Resumption: After a period of absence, Mayor Shah resumed his duties on April 10, 2025, amid ongoing tensions within the KMC .TikTok+3myRepublica+3myRepublica+3
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Public Statements: Shah continues to use social media platforms to communicate directly with the public, addressing various issues and controversies.
