Balendra Shah's journey to become the mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City was not an easy one. Balendra, who emerged as an independent candidate, was in direct conflict with the long legacy and powerful structure of established political parties.

In this difficult journey, the name behind the scenes as Balendra's strong support, trust and confidant, who is less visible in public but plays a decisive role, is Bhupdev Shah.

Formally, he is Mayor Shah's chief personal secretary. But in practice, he is a person who believes in results rather than propaganda, works behind the scenes and influences through strategy. As alternative political forces are coming together in recent times, Bhupdev has also started to be seen as a figure who balances and negotiates politically on behalf of Balendra.

Bhupdev, 29, a permanent resident of Mangalsen Municipality-4 in Achham, is currently at the center of power in Kathmandu Metropolitan City. He is considered one of the characters who played a decisive role in the journey to establish Balendra.

Now, he himself seems to be heading towards a new political turn with the talk of becoming a candidate from Achham Constituency No. 2 in the House of Representatives elections. After becoming a potential candidate, local and political circles are interested in his guidance, ideas and strategy. Shah has also started being sought and discussed in the rural settlements of Achham.

He started his early education from Radha Secondary School in Mangalsen Municipality-4, and studied in grades 4 and 5 at Deepshikha English Boarding School in Mangalsen. After that, he went to Kathmandu for his studies. He completed his SLC from Alliance Academy in Kathmandu in 2067 BS.

Bhupdev grew up in a politically conscious family. His father Nrip Bahadur Shah became active in the politics of the Rastriya Prajatantra Party after 2047 BS. He became the district president of the party twice. He had a good grasp on the traditional politics of the Far West.

Over time, his father's political leanings changed. After 2055 BS, he started believing in the Congress. 'The discussions and atmosphere at home developed political awareness. Since then, the awareness of distinguishing right from wrong has also developed,' says Bhupdev, 'A new politics should begin in the country.' I got involved in alternative politics because the youth should come forward.’ His father’s understanding was that change is possible only by staying within the established party. Bhupdev did not accept this belief. His father did not want his son to become a politician, but an engineer with a secure future. But Bhupdev’s attraction grew towards reforming the state, policies and systems rather than technical education. ‘Every parent will look at whether his career is secure or not. In the early days, why get involved in alternative politics? How many people are there? He would keep reminding us that a political career is not secure,’ he said. ‘That party would neither provide jobs nor help us in times of trouble.’ When Bhupdev stood outside traditional party politics and chose an alternative political stream, it gave rise to ideological disagreements not only between father and son, but also within the family. While his father did not see a future in alternative politics, Bhupdev did not see a solution in traditional politics.

This conflict remained within the family for a long time. ‘At that time, the family was against my decision. The party had given me knowledge. They would answer that it was increasing my capacity and changing my thinking. I would also say that material achievements are not everything,’ he said. ‘My parents wanted my son to become an engineer. There was always a debate about this at home. But it could not be resolved. I would say that my work shows that. It is neither an end nor a means. The family was of the opinion that one should not get involved in it.’

Bhupdev ignored the family’s desire for him to become an engineer. After 12th grade, without his family knowing, he enrolled in Trichandra College with a humanities degree. ‘I filled the form for the entrance exam for engineering but did not take the exam. At home, I gave the entrance exam and said that I failed,' he said, 'At that time, there was no understanding at home about my studies. There were awkward conversations within the family.'

In 2071 BS, he formally entered alternative politics through the Bibeksheel Sajha Dal led by Ujjwal Thapa. He served as Thapa's personal secretary.

While Bhupdev was studying in Class 6 at the Alliance Academy in Kathmandu, Balendra was studying in Class 10. Their first meeting took place there. Due to the difference in age and class, they were initially in separate groups. But Balendra's nature quickly attracted Bhupdev. 'We both studied in the same school. That's where we first met.' Bhupdev said.

Their relationship grew stronger as they began to participate in extracurricular activities and social activities together. Their relationship did not break even after school life. Social campaigns, dissatisfaction with the system, and the search for alternative politics had made them political partners for a long time.

When Balendra chose an independent political path in the 2079 local elections, Bhupdev's strategic experience, behind-the-scenes work, and trust became decisive for him. Balendra became an independent candidate for the post of mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City. Bhupdev played an active role in this journey. Bhupdev used to run the election campaign behind the scenes, analyze the feedback from the local level, and assess risks and opportunities.

After Balendra became mayor, he gave Bhupdev the responsibility of his chief personal secretary. After that, the disagreements within the family gradually decreased over the years. Now the entire family is in favor of Bhupdev's journey. This moment also brought a big turning point in Bhupdev's personal life. ‘My parents were happy only after I became the mayor’s chief personal secretary. The disagreements in the family also started to disappear,’ he said.

Recently, alternative forces have come together in Nepali politics. As characters like Kathmandu Mayor Balendra, Genji’s groups, and Ujjal Nepal Party patron Kulman Ghising were integrated into the party led by Rastriya Swatantra Party President Ravi Lamichhane, Bhupdev played the role of negotiation, dialogue, and balance. After this role, his discussion has intensified and he is being seen as a possible candidate for the House of Representatives.

‘It was the aspiration of the people that the Rashtriya Swatantra Party, the Mayor of Kathmandu Municipality, Genji’s groups, Ujjal activist Kulman Ghising, and other transformative new independent people should stand together.’ To address that, I played an important role by being in the negotiation committee,’ Bhupdev said, ‘I was involved from the draft to the negotiations.’ It was not easy to settle the issue of what to do and who will live where after in-depth discussions on the issue of unification.'

He says that he is standing on the 'front line' to find a solution through negotiations in a short time. He said that since he is involved in the unification and adjustment process of the party, discussions are being held on his role and future responsibilities keeping that role in mind. Recently, he has been nominated as a central member of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) on behalf of Balendra. 'The issue of making a joint general secretary in the party has also come up for discussion. I accept the party's decision and the role given by the party. I am clear that political responsibility should be taken at this time and work should be done,' he said. 'I feel that the role played well in the unification talks has been appreciated.'

He also said that he and his team believe that when Mayor Shah is promoted as the Prime Minister, a person who has worked closely with him for a long time should directly go to the people and win. 'I am an aspirant for the candidate from Achham-2. Discussions are also underway on this issue. For that, you have to go to your birthplace Achham. If Achham is not won, you will not reach Sihandarbar,' he said, 'We have to create an atmosphere across the country to fulfill the demands of the Genji movement. That is why the issue of my candidacy has come up for discussion. I am also preparing.'