Nepals Youngest Premier Sworn In After Releasing New Rap Song About Unity

Nepal’s Prime Minister Sworn In After Landslide Election Victory

Balendra Shah, a 35-year-old politician, has been sworn in as Nepal’s prime minister after his party won a landslide election victory. Shah was appointed by President Ram Chandra Paudel on Friday, following the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) securing 182 seats out of 275 in the parliament.

The RSP’s victory came after protests led by young people, known as Gen-Z, toppled the previous government in September. The protests resulted in the deaths of 76 individuals and highlighted issues such as a lack of jobs and endemic corruption in Nepal.

Shah, who is also a rapper, was sworn in at the President House in the presence of diplomats and senior government officials. He released his first public statement since the election victory with a rap song titled “Jay Mahakaali” (Victory to Goddess Mahakali), which has garnered nearly three million views on social media.

Shah’s music video features visuals of large crowds cheering him during his election campaign, highlighting his connection with the youth. He is Nepal’s first Madhesi premier and the country’s youngest prime minister at 35.

China extended its congratulations to Nepal on Shah’s swearing-in, stating that it will support its neighbor in safeguarding its independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. The Nepali Congress party, which was a major contender in the election, secured just 38 seats, while the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist) secured 25 members.

Shah publicly expressed support for the Gen-Z protesters who led the movement, despite not directly participating in the protests. This marks the latest chapter in Nepal’s history of political instability, with 32 governments taking office since 1990 and none completing a five-year term.

Source: Al Jazeera