In a historic shift for the Himalayan republic, 35-year-old rapper-turned-politician Balendra Shah is set to be sworn in as Nepal’s Prime Minister this Friday.

The reformist leader, widely known as "Balen," broke his post-election silence by releasing a victory message in the form of a rap song that has already garnered nearly three million views.

Shah’s landslide victory follows a youth-driven political movement that surged after a deadly 2025 uprising, which saw at least 77 people killed.

The unrest, initially sparked by a brief social media ban, evolved into a national outcry against economic hardship and systemic corruption.

In his musical address released Thursday evening, Shah emphasized national cohesion, singing, "The strength of unity is my national power."

Over footage of his campaign, he added, "My heart is full of courage, my red blood is boiling; my brothers stand with me, this time we will rise... May my breath not run out, I will run like a leopard."

Shah’s Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) secured a commanding majority of 182 seats in the 275-member House of Representatives during the March 5 elections.

He campaigned alongside RSP president and former television host Rabi Lamichhane, 51, who remains a central figure in the new administration.

As Shah prepares for his oath, outgoing interim Prime Minister and former Chief Justice Sushila Karki, 73, delivered a televised farewell.

"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," Karki stated.

"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."

Karki also confirmed that a report investigating the crackdown on the 2025 protesters would be released.

A leaked copy of the report, seen by AFP, recommends the prosecution of former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, whom Shah defeated in Oli’s own constituency.

The commission also identified former Interior Minister Ramesh Lekhak and ex-police chief Chandra Kuber Khapung for investigation.

The report noted that while a direct "order to shoot" was not established, officials failed to prevent casualties, leading to the deaths of minors.

Autopsy results for 48 victims showed they died from bullet wounds, mostly to the chest or head. To date, no one has been convicted for the 19 young people killed on the first day of the uprising.

Source: AFP