The first name to emerge as a potential interim Prime Minister of Nepal was Balendra Shah, also known as Balen Shah. A politician-turned-rapper, he has been serving as the 15th mayor of Kathmandu since 2022. A group of Gen-Z supporters backed him for the interim PM role. Later, another faction of the same protesters threw their support behind retired Chief Justice Sushila Karki. Supporters of Karki and Balen clashed outside the army headquarters in Bhadrakali over the interim PM position. Sudan Gurung‘s name was also heard during the initial stage of discussions on interim PM. Now, a new bloc of Gen-Z protesters has put forward Harka Raj Rai, popularly known as Harka Sampang, as a candidate. Who is this new candidate for the interim PM chair?
Who Is Harka Sampang
A group of Gen-Z protesters now supports Harka Sampang, the independent mayor of Dharan Sub-Metropolitan City. Sampang, who gained prominence following his 2022 mayoral victory as an independent candidate, has positioned himself as a representative of the people. What made him popular is that he often rejects VIP privileges, saying he prefers to stand in line with the public rather than use special lounges, according to reports by news outlet, ProPublica. This has made him a favourite among sections of the Gen Z demonstrators.
According to Nepali Times, Harka Sampang, once a migrant worker in Afghanistan, returned to Dharan determined to improve his hometown. Ignored by major parties and the media at first, he worked tirelessly on local issues like waste management, bus schedules, and water supply. His dedication gained attention on social media, leading to his election as mayor.
Harka Sampang criticise Balendra Shah
Gen-Z leader Balendra Shah has been criticised by Harka Raj Rai, popularly known as Harka Sampang, the independent mayor of Dharan Sub-Metropolitan City, for failing to join the street protests with the Gen-Z movement and instead remaining in the background while offering only support. He also took a swipe at Kathmandu Mayor Balen Shah in a social media post. He called him a “coward” who hides in times of crisis.
“A person who hides in times of crisis, cannot face the streets, passes the responsibility given to him onto others, cannot confront difficult situations and expects others to carry the burden, considering such a person as a leader is why our country has neither solutions nor development,” Sampang wrote, according to Nepali news outlet ProPublica.
The rift deepened after Nepal’s Army urged protest leaders to present a clear candidate to lead the country through its current transition.
