Kathmandu: Balendra Shah, Nepal’s rapper-turned-politician, is set to be sworn in as Prime Minister on Friday after sharing a victory message through a rap song that called for national unity. His rise marks him as the youngest elected leader to assume the country’s top executive role.

At 35, Shah secured a sweeping electoral victory earlier this month on a platform centred on youth-driven reform. His win comes just six months after a violent uprising in Nepal brought down the previous government.

The protests, which claimed at least 77 lives, began over a temporary social media ban but quickly grew into a broader movement fuelled by frustration over corruption and economic struggles in the nation of 30 million people.

Victory message through music

Better known by his stage name Balen, Shah broke his public silence following the election by releasing a rap song shortly after taking his oath as a lawmaker for the first time.

“The strength of unity is my national power,” he declared in the track, which garnered nearly three million views within hours of its release across social media and streaming platforms on Thursday evening.

Shah had not made any public statements after his party, the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), achieved a landslide victory on March 5. The party secured 182 seats in the 275-member House of Representatives, giving it a strong parliamentary majority.

Key alliances and leadership

During the campaign, Shah worked closely with RSP president Rabi Lamichhane, a 51-year-old former deputy prime minister and interior minister known for his combative style. Lamichhane continues to play a crucial role within the party and government.

Shah formally took the oath of office as Prime Minister later on Friday.

In his song, he also expressed determination and resolve, rapping: “My heart is full of courage, my red blood is boiling; my brothers stand with me, this time we will rise.” He added, “May my breath not run out, I will run like a leopard.”

Outgoing leader expresses confidence

Soon after the song’s release, outgoing interim Prime Minister Sushila Karki addressed the nation in a televised farewell. The 73-year-old, who led the caretaker administration for six months, voiced optimism about the country’s future under younger leadership.

“I am confident that the new government to be formed under the leadership of the youth will work towards ending corruption in the country, establishing good governance, creating jobs within the country, economic development and social justice,” she said.

She added that she looked forward to “a bright future” shaped by unity, honesty and the hard work of citizens.

Investigation into protest crackdown

Karki also confirmed that an investigation into the handling of the protests had been completed and that its findings would be released, although no timeline was provided.

 

According media reports, the inquiry recommended legal action against former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, who was removed from power during the uprising.

Oli, a 74-year-old Marxist leader and four-time prime minister, was defeated by Shah in his own constituency during the recent elections.

Accountability for violence

The report further called for investigations into former interior minister Ramesh Lekhak and ex-police chief Chandra Kuber Khapung. It stated that Lekhak held “overall responsibility for home administration, security agencies, and maintaining law and order”.

It also noted that both Lekhak and Oli appeared to have taken no action on the afternoon of the protests to prevent further casualties.

While the inquiry did not find clear evidence of an order to open fire, it concluded that authorities failed to intervene or control the situation, leading to fatalities, including those of minors.

Findings on protest deaths

Of the 63 completed autopsies referenced in the report, 48 victims died from gunshot wounds. Most were struck in the chest or head.

On the first day of the demonstrations alone, at least 19 young people were killed during a crackdown. To date, no convictions have been made in connection with the deaths.

With agency inputs