Kathmandu, Nepal | Nepal has sworn in its youngest prime minister, marking a significant political shift following a decisive election and months of public unrest that reshaped the country’s leadership.
Balendra Shah, widely known as “Balen,” officially took the oath of office after his party secured a landslide victory in national elections held earlier this month. At 35, Shah becomes the youngest prime minister in Nepal’s history, signaling a generational change in the country’s political landscape.
Shah was appointed by Ram Chandra Paudel after his Rastriya Swatantra Party won nearly two-thirds of seats in the House of Representatives, the powerful lower chamber of parliament. His rise follows a youth-led uprising in September that toppled the previous government amid widespread frustration over corruption and political instability.
The swearing-in ceremony reflected Nepal’s deep cultural traditions, incorporating Hindu rituals, religious chants, and ceremonial music. The timing of the oath—set at an astrologically auspicious moment during the Hindu festival of Ram Navami—highlighted the continuing influence of religion and tradition in public life.
A structural engineer by training, Shah first gained national attention as a rapper before entering politics and later serving as mayor of Kathmandu. His unconventional background and outsider image have resonated strongly with younger voters and those seeking change from traditional political elites.
Shah now faces the challenge of governing a nation of nearly 30 million people amid high public expectations. His administration is expected to focus on tackling corruption, strengthening governance, and addressing economic concerns that have fueled dissatisfaction among citizens.
Although he was not directly involved in the protests that led to the previous government’s fall, Shah was a vocal supporter of the youth-driven movement, aligning himself with calls for reform and accountability.
International leaders have already begun extending congratulations, including Narendra Modi, who expressed hope for stronger bilateral relations and cooperation between India and Nepal under Shah’s leadership.
As Nepal enters a new political chapter, Shah’s leadership will be closely watched both domestically and internationally, with many viewing his tenure as a test of whether a new generation can deliver lasting change in a country long marked by political turbulence.