Rapper-turned-poitician Balendra “Balen” Shah took the oath on Friday, becoming Nepal’s youngest prime minister in a historic post-uprising polls that saw a major government overhaul targeting political elites who have long held power in the country.
Posing himself as a voice for the urban poor and the disillusioned youth, Shah has recorded a landslide victory against his biggest contender, former prime minister KP Sharma Oli.
Oli, who served four separate terms as Nepal’s prime minister, was ousted following a Gen Z-led uprising in September 2025 that resulted in widespread social unrest and the dissolution of the House of Representatives.
‘Strength of unity is my national power’
A day before his oath-taking, Balen released an almost four-minute rap song on his official YouTube channel, laying the ground for his political promises as he takes the driver’s seat in Nepal’s post-uprising government.
Titled “Jay Mahakaali” (Victory to Goddess Mahakali), Balen vowed to bring “laughter and happiness” to every Nepali household.
“Nepal is not scared this time,” he sang, as he honoured his supporters with visuals of large crowds from his electoral campaign.
“The strength of unity is my national power,” he said in the song, which has racked over four million views as of writing.
Shah, 35, started his political career as the mayor of Kathmandu from 2022 until his resignation in January 2026.
Following his mayoral tenure, he joined the Rastriya Swatantra Party, fielding as the political party’s prime ministerial candidate during the March 2026 general elections.
Shah’s candidacy was largely seen as a manifestation of youth rebellion against traditional Nepali politics that value elitism over diverse political representation.
He is expected to lead Nepal through major political crises, starting from the post-uprising rebuilding of the economy to the manoeuvring of Nepal’s foreign policy amid the ongoing war in the Middle East.
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Shah eyes effective governance, politics-free services
Among Balen’s first steps upon taking office is the unveiling of a 100-point action plan for effective governance.
The action plan promises to implement “result-based governance” that will bring essential services closer to ordinary Nepali citizens.
It also reiterated the new government’s intention to free public administration from political interference by banning political party affiliations among civil servants and educational practitioners, something that critics have long been advocating for.
“This commitment will establish shared ownership under the government of Nepal,” the action plan stated.
“The commitment will be linked to concrete policies, programmes, budgets, and reform agendas,” it added.
New government promises recognition of injustices
The action plan also promises the acknowledgement of “historical injuries, discrimination, and deprivation” faced by political activists and the marginalised sector.
“Based on the acknowledgement, the government will prepare a framework for social justice, inclusivity, and reconciliatory integration, including formal apologies and related reform measures led by the state.”
This includes psychosocial counselling and employment support, which the new government promises to implement within its first 100 days.
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