Social media platforms across the globe have been flooded with messages of judgement for rapper-turned-politician Balendra “Balen” Shah, as early results from the country’s latest parliamentary elections suggest he is poised to become the next prime minister.
On TikTok, some netizens questioned whether Shah, a relative newcomer to politics, has the experience needed to navigate Nepal’s complex bureaucracy and geopolitical pressures between India and China.
“Can Balen Shah really bring the change that Nepal is hoping for?” one viewer commented on the Daily Mail‘s news report clip.
“Honestly, hyping up Balen Shah’s win like it’s all positive ignores the reality risks. Nepal politics need careful, long-term leadership, not just popularity contests,” another added.
“This kind of oversimplification spreads hype while downplaying potential consequences. Nepal deserves more than viral trends dictating its future.”
Praise for Shah’s political journey
Despite a number of negative opinions, some netizens, particularly younger voters, continue to appreciate Shah’s meteoric journey from music artist to government figure.
Many describe his potential victory as a “generation shift”, with hashtags praising reform and accountability trending nationwide.
“Please note that our soon-to-be PM Balendra Shah is not simply an ex-rapper. He is a PHD scholar, a structural engineer and also served nearly three and a half years as the mayor of our capital city, Kathmandu,” a young Nepalese student emphasised on a 9News Australia’s video.
“Why are you guys addressing him as a rapper only? Haven’t you done research about his educational background?” A separate Gen Z woman told Channel 4 News.
“First politician who can speak English clearly by the way.”
Meanwhile, analysts say the expectations placed on his administration will be extraordinarily high if he assumes office.
Still, the mood online remains largely optimistic.
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Parliamentary landslide on the cards
Shah, 35, rose to prominence first as a rapper whose lyrics criticised corruption and social inequality before entering politics and winning the mayoralty of Kathmandu in 2022.
His popularity grew further following youth-led protests in 2025 that reshaped Nepal’s political climate and fuelled demand for new leadership.
The reformist Rastriya Swatantra Party, with Shah as its prime ministerial candidate, is projected to secure a commanding majority in parliament.
Preliminary results indicate the party has captured well over 100 of the 165 directly elected seats, a rare landslide that signals voters’ rejection of long-dominant political elites.
If confirmed, Shah’s victory would mark one of the most dramatic political shifts in Nepal’s recent history, transforming a former protest-era rapper into the country’s youngest prime minister and a symbol of the growing influence of Gen Z in shaping the nation’s future.
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Sarah Sharp 
Anna Ferraz