Nepal's newly elected Prime Minister Balendra Shah, popularly known as Balen, has issued his first post-election message in the form of a rap song urging national unity. The 35-year-old politician, a former rapper, has emerged as a symbol of youth-driven political change in the Himalayan republic. His Rastriya Swatantra party secured a landslide victory in the 5 March election, which was the first poll since a deadly youth-led uprising in September 2025 toppled the government, resulting in at least 77 deaths.

In the rap, Shah declared, "The strength of unity is my national power" and "Undivided Nepali, this time history is being made." The video garnered tens of thousands of views on social media and streaming platforms within minutes of its release. Set to footage from his election campaign, Shah rapped, "My heart is full of courage, my red blood is boiling; my brothers stand with me, this time we will rise."

Following the song's release, outgoing interim Prime Minister Sushila Karki delivered a farewell address to the nation in a televised broadcast. The 73-year-old Karki, who led the caretaker administration for six months, stated that the country's future lies in the hands of the younger generation. She expressed confidence that the new government, under youth leadership, would work towards ending corruption, establishing good governance, creating jobs, and fostering economic development.

Karki, who had ordered an investigation into the crackdown on protesters, mentioned in her statement that a report with findings would be released, though she provided no further details. At least 19 young people were killed on the first day of protests, with no convictions related to these deaths. Shah's rap address is seen as a symbol of hope for unity and change in Nepal, amid ongoing societal and economic challenges.

Source: www.theguardian.com