Nepal's rapper-turned-politician Balendra Shah was sworn in as country’s youngest prime minister on Friday after sweeping the first election since deadly anti-corruption protests toppled the government last year."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, dressed all in black and wearing his trademark dark sunglasses.

President Ram Chandra Poudel administered the oath of office after a ceremony involving scores of chanting Hindu priests and red-robed Buddhist monks.The 35-year-old reformist swept polls this month on a platform of youth-driven political change, six months after a deadly 2025 uprising toppled the government.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.

Shah, better known as Balen, released his first public statement since winning the elections -- hours after he took the oath to become a lawmaker for the first time. "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 social media and streaming sites on Thursday evening.

Shah had remained silent publicly since his Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) won the March 5 election in a landslide, winning a commanding majority of 182 in the 275-seat House of Representatives. He campaigned alongside RSP president, combative television host Rabi Lamichhane, 51, a former deputy prime minister and interior minister, a fellow lawmaker who retains a pivotal role in power.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)