Mayor Balendra (Balen) Shah of Kathmandu Metropolitan City initially gained widespread attention for his determination and unique working style. His slogan "Burn Singha Durbar" brought him into the limelight, and his initial actions as mayor won the hearts of the people. However, over time, mismanagement and irregularities in the city's administration have gradually eroded public trust. Particularly, the group of advisors appointed by Balen, known as "Team Balen," has raised serious questions about his leadership.

Balen Shah's team includes individuals such as Kumar Benjankar, Sunil Lamsal, Santosh Pandey, Sudip Dhakal, Arjun Ghimire, and Bhoopdev Shah. These individuals hold various advisory roles across different departments. The primary goal of this team was to manage the metropolitan city effectively. However, reports suggest that this group has been accused of misusing resources and promoting corruption within the metropolitan office.

A complaint filed with the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) on December 6, 2024, has further fueled controversy around Team Balen’s activities. The complaint, registered under the number C-033275, accuses Balen’s advisors of extorting large sums of money from major commercial structures for approving building plans, misusing government vehicles, and awarding contracts without competitive bidding. Specifically, the complaint highlights that Santosh Pandey and Harishchandra Lamichhane demanded bribes of NPR 500,000 and NPR 1.8 million, respectively, for approving plans and issuing certificates for Hotel Hilton in Naxal.

Sunil Lamsal, an infrastructure advisor, has also been embroiled in controversy. He allegedly altered the name of a Suzuki Baleno vehicle purchased for the metropolitan city to “Balen” and used it for personal purposes. According to the complaint, the vehicle's maintenance costs were covered by the city's funds, even though altering a government vehicle’s name and design without approval is prohibited by law.

Another example of irregularity in the metropolitan administration is the operation of 275 stalls in the Baneshwar area under the guise of a "footpath market." The complaint reveals that these stalls generate NPR 12 million annually without being registered or paying taxes. The commission reportedly reaches officials like Ward 10 Secretary Subodh Khadka, SSP Rajunath Pandey, and Balen’s personal secretary Bhoopdev Shah.

The city’s "Where There Is Empty Space, There Is Greenery" campaign has also been accused of irregularities. Contracts worth NPR 1 million per ward for promoting greenery were awarded without competitive bidding, with commissions allegedly reaching Bhoopdev Shah and advisor Arjun Ghimire.

Significant irregularities have also been reported in the city's information technology department, where software packages worth millions of rupees were purchased without competitive bidding. Advisors Sudip Dhakal and Bhoopdev Shah have been implicated in this matter.

In response to these allegations, the advisors have presented their perspectives. Bhoopdev Shah has dismissed the allegations as baseless, stating, "We are waiting for evidence. If corruption worth even NPR 5 is proven, strict action will be taken." Similarly, Kumar Benjankar clarified that there is no tendering process for student meals and that funds allocated for meals are directly spent at schools.

Despite these defenses, public concerns have not subsided. Citizens expected a transparent and accountable metropolitan office under Balen’s leadership. However, the alleged misconduct, resource mismanagement, and corruption within Team Balen have created widespread disappointment and raised serious doubts about his leadership.

If the allegations detailed in the complaint are proven true, it would not only symbolize administrative failure but also jeopardize Balen Shah’s promises of transparency and good governance. The CIAA must thoroughly investigate these accusations and reveal the truth. Without immediate action, the reputation of the Kathmandu Metropolitan City and Balen Shah’s leadership may suffer irreparable damage. The public still holds hope for Balen’s leadership, but that hope now hinges on swift and decisive action.

 

Balendra Shah