Nepal has sworn in its youngest prime minister, marking a dramatic political shift driven by youth-led protests, anti-corruption demands and an unconventional campaign powered by music.
Balendra Shah, a 35-year-old rapper-turned-politician widely known as Balen, took the oath of office Friday after his party secured a landslide victory in national elections. His rise follows months of unrest that culminated in the collapse of the previous government in September.
Shah’s Rastriya Swatantra Party, founded just three years ago, won 182 seats in the 275-member parliament in the 5 March vote. The election was the first since mass protests led largely by Generation Z activists demanding accountability over corruption and unemployment.
The demonstrations turned deadly, leaving at least 76 people killed. They reflected growing frustration in a country of about 30 million people, where roughly one-fifth of the population lives in poverty and about 1,500 citizens leave daily in search of jobs abroad.
Although Shah did not directly lead the protests, he publicly expressed support for the movement and its calls for reform, helping him build strong backing among young voters.
A day before his swearing-in, Shah released a rap song titled Jay Mahakaali, using music as a platform to communicate his vision of unity and change.
“Nepal is not scared this time,” he declares in the track, which quickly gained traction online and drew millions of views. The video features campaign rallies and cheering supporters, reinforcing his connection with the youth.
The song’s message of unity and resilience became a defining feature of his campaign, blending pop culture with political messaging in a way rarely seen in Nepal’s traditional political space.
Shah was appointed prime minister by President Ram Chandra Paudel during a ceremony attended by diplomats and senior officials. Dressed in black attire with a traditional Nepali cap, he projected a mix of modern identity and cultural symbolism.
His appointment is historically significant as he becomes Nepal’s first Madhesi leader to hold the premiership, representing communities from the southern plains bordering India.
Nepal has long faced political instability, with 32 governments formed since 1990 and none completing a full five-year term. Shah now faces the challenge of delivering stability while meeting high expectations from a politically energized population.
The opposition remains fragmented. Nepali Congress secured 38 seats, while the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist) holds 25 seats.
As Nepal enters a new chapter, Shah’s leadership will test whether grassroots momentum and modern campaigning can translate into lasting governance.
