The 36-year-old rapper-turned-politician, widely known as “Balen,” came to power after his Rastriya Swatantra Party secured a sweeping victory in the March 5 general election, the first national vote since youth-led anti-corruption protests in 2025 toppled the government of former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli.

Shah moved swiftly after assuming office on March 27. One day after his swearing-in, police arrested Oli and his former interior minister following recommendations by an inquiry commission investigating the deadly September 2025 uprising. Both men were later released without charge while investigations continued.

Political observers say the government’s early actions established a pattern of rapid, high-profile decisions that have often been challenged on legal grounds and criticized for bypassing established institutional procedures.

Unlike many of his predecessors, Shah has maintained a low public profile. He has largely communicated through social media, including delivering his election victory message in the form of a rap song, while avoiding meetings with foreign ambassadors. Visits to Nepal’s two largest neighbors, India and China—traditionally the first overseas destinations for a newly elected Nepali prime minister—have instead been delegated to the foreign minister.

Journalist Pranaya Rana said the public still knows relatively little about Shah despite his electoral mandate, arguing that the prime minister should engage more openly with citizens.

The administration has introduced a 100-point reform programme covering governance, anti-corruption initiatives, public service delivery and digital transformation. Government officials say roughly 70 measures have already been implemented, with the remaining initiatives in progress.

In a rare public address to members of the ruling Rastriya Swatantra Party in June, Shah described his administration as being “on an expressway” toward reform, saying the government would not slow its pace until its objectives had been achieved.

The government has also unveiled a 2.1 trillion Nepalese rupee ($13.8 billion) national budget focused on infrastructure, technology, healthcare and education while seeking to strengthen the country’s economy. Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle described the plan as part of a broad programme of economic reform.

Supporters argue that Shah has brought a sense of urgency to government after years of political instability. Journalist Sudheer Sharma said the administration had distinguished itself by beginning work immediately after taking office and maintaining a results-oriented approach.

Opposition parties, however, have accused the government of acting hastily. The Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist), led by Oli, said on Friday that the administration’s performance had been weak, immature and controversial.

Criticism has also focused on the government’s use of executive ordinances despite holding a parliamentary majority capable of passing legislation through the normal legislative process. Analysts warn that relying on emergency powers risks weakening institutional checks and balances.

Political researcher Anusha Khanal said reforms had been implemented but questioned whether the government had consistently followed appropriate constitutional procedures, urging continued public vigilance.

Among the most contentious measures is an ordinance allowing the Constitutional Council, chaired by Shah, to make decisions, including judicial appointments, by a simple majority. Proposals to amend the constitution and restructure Nepal’s federal system have also generated political opposition.

Some supporters of the 2025 protest movement have urged the government to preserve the democratic principles that fueled its rise. Yujan Rajbhandari, who participated in the demonstrations, said the administration remained a source of hope but warned that reforms not grounded in due process could prove difficult to sustain.

The government’s efforts to remove informal settlements have also attracted criticism, adding to growing debate over whether Shah’s rapid approach to reform can maintain public support as his administration moves beyond its first 100 days.