Nepal’s Rapper PM: Shah Sworn In As New Leader

KATHMANDU — Nepal’s rapper-turned-politician Balendra Shah was sworn in as prime minister on Friday, following a sweeping election victory since deadly anti-corruption protests toppled the previous government last year.

Balendra Shah Takes Office

The 35-year-old reformist and his Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) dominated polls this month on a platform of youth-driven political change. “I, Balendra Shah, in the name of the country and people, pledge that I will be loyal to the constitution,” Shah said, dressed in black, including his trademark dark sunglasses.

Crowds at the ceremony cheered and chanted his name after he formally took office, where he named key cabinet posts, including former youth activist Sudan Gurung as interior minister.

At least 77 people were killed in the anti-corruption youth uprising, which began over a brief social media ban but tapped into longstanding fury over economic hardship in the nation of 30 million people.

Rap Song and Landslide Victory

Shah, also known as Balen, was sworn in a day after releasing his first public statement since winning the March 5 elections – a rap song posted on social media. “The strength of unity is my national power,” Shah sang in the song, which has racked up nearly three million views since being released on Thursday evening.

The RSP party won the election in a landslide, securing a commanding majority of 182 seats in the 275-seat House of Representatives. Shah campaigned alongside RSP president Rabi Lamichhane, 51, a former deputy prime minister and interior minister who remains a key lawmaker.

“My heart is full of courage, my red blood is boiling; my brothers stand with me, this time we will rise,” Shah said in his song, over a video of him campaigning for election. “May my breath not run out; I will run like a leopard,” he added.

Cabinet Appointments and International Response

Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle, a former United Nations economic advisor, will lead efforts to reform Nepal’s struggling economy. Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal, a former education minister, will navigate Nepal’s relationships with neighboring giants India and China.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Shah on Friday, stating he looked forward to taking “India-Nepal friendship and cooperation to even greater heights.” China also congratulated Shah, with a foreign ministry spokesman stating Beijing wanted to “deepen practical cooperation” with Nepal.