Nepal's Ex-Rapper Balendra Shah Sworn In as Prime Minister After Landslide Victory
Nepal's rapper-turned-politician, Balendra Shah, has been officially sworn in as the nation's new prime minister. This historic event follows a sweeping electoral victory by his Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) in the first election since deadly anti-corruption protests toppled the previous government last year.
A Youth-Driven Political Revolution
The 35-year-old reformist, better known as Balen, and his RSP dominated polls this month, campaigning on a powerful platform of youth-driven political change and anti-corruption measures. Dressed entirely in black, including his trademark dark sunglasses, Shah took the oath of office on March 27, pledging loyalty to the constitution in the name of the country and its people.
Shah had remained publicly silent since his party's landslide election win on March 5, where they secured a commanding majority of 182 seats in the 275-seat House of Representatives. He broke this silence with a rap song posted on social media, which has already garnered nearly three million views since its release on Thursday evening.
The Power of Music and Message
In his rap song, Shah delivered powerful lyrics that resonated with his campaign message. "The strength of unity is my national power," he sang, emphasizing the collective effort behind his political movement. The video featured footage of him campaigning, with additional verses declaring, "My heart is full of courage, my red blood is boiling; my brothers stand with me, this time we will rise," and "May my breath not run out; I will run like a leopard."
Shah campaigned alongside RSP president Rabi Lamichhane, a 51-year-old combative television host and former deputy prime minister and interior minister. Lamichhane, now a fellow lawmaker, retains a pivotal role in the new power structure, supporting Shah's vision for Nepal's future.
Transition of Power and Anti-Corruption Legacy
Shortly after Shah's rap song release, outgoing interim prime minister Sushila Karki bid farewell to the nation in a televised broadcast. The 73-year-old former chief justice, who led the caretaker administration for six months, expressed confidence in the younger generation's leadership. She stated that the country's future lies in their hands, with expectations for ending corruption, establishing good governance, creating jobs, fostering economic development, and ensuring social justice.
Karki, who ordered an investigation into the crackdown on protesters during last year's anti-corruption uprising, announced that a report with findings would be released. According to a leaked copy seen by AFP, the commission investigating the events recommended the prosecution of ex-prime minister KP Sharma Oli, who was toppled in the uprising. The 74-year-old four-time prime minister and Marxist leader was defeated by Shah in his own constituency.
Accountability for Past Violence
The report also recommended that former interior minister Ramesh Lekhak and ex-police chief Chandra Kuber Khapung be investigated and prosecuted. This comes after at least 19 young people were killed in a crackdown on the first day of protests, with no convictions for the killings to date. Karki expressed optimism about Nepal's future, stating, "I am looking forward to the bright future of this country with full confidence -- where our unity, honesty, and the hard work of every citizen will write a new history."
The swearing-in of Balendra Shah marks a significant shift in Nepalese politics, symbolizing a move towards younger leadership and renewed efforts to combat corruption and promote transparency in government.
