&imwidth=800&imheight=600&format=webp&quality=medium "Ex-rapper Balendra Shah sworn in as Nepal’s Prime Minister")
Rapper-turned-politician Balendra Shah was sworn in as Nepal’s Prime Minister on Friday (Mar 27), becoming the youngest person to hold the position. The 35-year-old achieved a sweeping victory in the country’s first election since the uprising last year. His party, Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) made the largest mandate in Nepal’s modern electoral era after the youth-led protest toppled the previous government. Shah is also the first leader from the Madheshi community to become the country’s PM.
“I, Balendra Shah, in the name of the country and people, pledge that I will be loyal to the constitution... and fulfil my duty as the prime minister,” Shah said. He was dressed in all black and wore his trademark dark sunglasses.
The oath of office was administered by President Ram Chandra Poudel at the President’s Office, Sheetal Niwas. The ceremony involved scores of chanting Hindu priests and red-robed Buddhist monks.
Earlier on Thursday (Mar 26), Shah issued his first post-election message via a rap song, urging unity.
“The strength of unity is my national power,” Shah, better known as Balen, rapped in Nepali. “Undivided Nepali, this time history is being made.”
The video gained thousands of views within minutes after it was posted on social media and streaming platforms.
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Shah has remained silent since his party’s landmark victory in the March 5 elections. The election came after the deadly youth-led uprising in September 2025. At least 77 people were killed during the demonstrations that forced the last administration to leave office.
PM Modi congratulates Balendra Shah
Congratulating the new prime minister, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that he is looking forward to closely working with Shah and taking India-Nepal friendship to greater heights.
“Warm congratulations to Mr. Balendra Shah on being sworn in as the Prime Minister of Nepal,” PM Modi wrote on X. “Your appointment reflects the trust reposed in your leadership by the people of Nepal. I look forward to working closely with you to take India-Nepal friendship and cooperation to even greater heights for the mutual benefit of our two peoples.”
