Rapper Balendra Shah Sworn In as Nepal’s Youngest Prime Minister After Landslide Election Victory

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KATHMANDU: Balendra Shah, the rapper and former mayor of Kathmandu, has been sworn in as the 47th Prime Minister of Nepal, following a decisive electoral victory for the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP). The 35-year-old leader took the oath of office at the President’s Office, Sheetal Niwas.

The RSP's success in the March 5 polls, where they secured 182 out of 275 seats in the House of Representatives, represents the first time in over two decades that a single party has achieved a governing majority in Nepal without the need for a coalition. During his inauguration, Shah addressed the nation with a pledge of accountability, stating, "I, Balendra Shah, in the name of the country and people, pledge that I will be loyal to the constitution and the laws of the land and fulfill my duty as the prime minister with honesty and integrity."

The current political landscape is the result of a period of transition following widespread civil unrest that began in September 2025. These youth-led protests, often referred to as the ‘Gen Z’ movement, were initially sparked by a government ban on social media but quickly expanded into a broader uprising against systemic corruption and economic stagnation. 

The resulting political pressure led to the resignation of the previous administration and the appointment of an interim government led by former Chief Justice Sushila Karki. In her farewell address, Karki emphasized the public's expectations for the incoming leadership, remarking, "I am confident that the new government led by Balendra Shah will work towards ending corruption in the country and fulfilling the aspirations of the youth who stood up for change."

Shah’s path to the premiership began with his background as a structural engineer and a prominent figure in Nepal’s hip-hop scene. He first entered formal politics in 2022, winning the Kathmandu mayoral race as an independent candidate by focusing on municipal transparency and infrastructure reform. 

During his tenure as mayor, he gained national visibility for his direct approach to urban management, though his administration also faced criticism regarding the enforcement of city bylaws. Upon his victory in the general election, Shah released a statement via social media that resonated with his supporters: "The strength of unity is my national power. As an undivided Nepali, this time, history is being made by the people, for the people, and I am merely the instrument of your will."

Photo Credits: AFP