Kathmandu: Rapper-turned-politician Balendra Shah took oath as the youngest prime minister of Nepal on Friday. He also becomes the first leader from the country’s Madheshi community to hold the top post.
Shah assumed the office under Article 76(1) of Nepal’s constitution as the parliamentary leader of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP). He was administered by Nepal president Ramchandra Paudel at the president’s Office, Sheetal Niwas, according to Kathmandu Post.
“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 all black and wore his trademark dark sunglasses, according to AFP.
The 35-year-old is a favourite among the country’s youth who participated in a major uprising in Nepal in 2025.
The swearing-in ceremony was marked by traditional rituals, including shankhanaad (blowing of conch shells), swastishanti recitations by 108 Batuks and ashtamangal chanting by 16 Buddhist monks, the RSP said, as reported by TOI.
Shah had previously served as Kathmandu’s mayor. He rose to national prominence through his confrontational style against the federal establishment, often challenging Singha Durbar, the seat of power in the Himalayan nation.
His advocacy for Kathmandu’s governance rights and bold stances during public controversies, including clashes with authorities and cultural disputes, shot Shah into prominence.
In the House of Representatives elections held on March 5, the RSP emerged as the largest party with 182 seats. The party had announced before the election that Shah would be its nominee for prime minister.
India has been monitoring the situation in Nepal closely ever since the Gen-Z uprising.
Prime Minster Narendra Modi, on Friday, congratulated Shah on his appointment as the country’s PM. He further expressed hope on expanding India-Nepal ties and working closely with him.
“Warm congratulations to Mr. Balendra Shah on being sworn in as the Prime Minister of Nepal. 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,” the Indian Prime Minister posted on X.
