Balen Shah, a 35-year-old rapper-turned-politician, has been sworn in as the youngest Prime Minister in Nepal’s history, marking a significant political shift in the Himalayan nation. He took the oath of office on Friday at the presidential residence in a grand ceremony administered by President Ramchandra Paudel, according to Al Jazeera.
Shah’s party, the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), secured a sweeping majority in the March 5 elections, winning 182 out of 275 parliamentary seats. The election followed a youth-led, anti-corruption movement largely driven by Generation Z, signaling a demand for political reform and fresh leadership.
Maintaining his signature style, Shah appeared at the ceremony in a black outfit paired with a traditional Nepali cap and sunglasses, reflecting his unconventional political persona. Diplomats and senior government officials from various countries attended the event.
Before becoming Prime Minister, Shah served as the mayor of Kathmandu. He also made history as Nepal’s first Madhesi Prime Minister, representing the southern plains region of the country.
Just a day before taking office, Shah released a rap song titled “Jai Mahakali” on social media, delivering his first public message after the election victory. The song, viewed nearly 3 million times on YouTube, emphasizes national unity and optimism, with lyrics highlighting courage and hope for prosperity.
Political stability remains a major challenge for Nepal, which has seen 32 governments since 1990, none completing a full five-year term. In the latest election, the Nepali Congress secured only 38 seats, while the CPN-UML, led by former Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli, won 25 seats after facing public backlash.
With around one-fifth of Nepal’s 30 million population living below the poverty line and nearly 1,500 people leaving the country daily in search of work, expectations are high for the new government to deliver economic reforms and job opportunities.
Following Shah’s swearing-in, China congratulated the new Prime Minister and reaffirmed its support for Nepal’s sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity.
