Kathmandu, Feb. 27 -- Nepal stands at a crossroads as major political parties, responding to the recent Gen Z movement, unveil manifestos ahead of the upcoming election. Yet, a noticeable void remains-the politics of art and culture.

The rise of Balen Shah, from a Hip-Hop rapper to the mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City and now presented as a monumental figure of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), signals a growing political agency among youth and artists.

However, the irony is rather difficult to overlook.

The entry of an artist into the political mainstream seems to have brought strong momentum for artistic and cultural upliftment. However, major political parties, including the RSP, fall short in addressing the full spectrum of N...