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.

Shah, 35, was appointed by President Ram Chandra Paudel after his Rastriya Swatantra Party won nearly two-thirds of seats in the 275-member House of Representatives in the March 5 polls, giving him a strong parliamentary mandate.

A political outsider popularly known as Balen, Shah faces the immediate challenge of addressing widespread dissatisfaction with Nepal’s traditional political parties, which voters have blamed for entrenched corruption and prolonged instability.

He rose to prominence during the September unrest that brought down the government, aligning himself publicly with largely youth-led protests that reflected growing generational discontent, although he did not directly participate in demonstrations.

The oath-taking ceremony in Katmandu incorporated Hindu and Buddhist rituals, reflecting Nepal’s religious traditions. The ceremony included “shankhnaad,” or the blowing of conch shells, alongside chanting by priests and lamas, as Shah took office with members of his newly appointed cabinet.

Religion and astrology continue to influence public life in Nepal, where auspicious timing is often observed for major events, including political ceremonies.

Trained as a structural engineer, Shah first gained national attention as a rap artist before entering politics and winning the mayoral election in Katmandu.

His rise from cultural figure to national leader has reshaped Nepal’s political landscape, particularly among younger voters.

The findings come two days before rapper-turned politician Balendra Shah is set to be sworn in as prime minister after securing a landslide victory in parliamentary elections triggered by the unrest.

The 970-page report held Oli, 74, responsible for not intervening during hours of firing on the first day of youth-led demonstrations, in which at least 19 Gen Z protesters were killed. Overall, 76 people died and 2,522 were injured during two days of violence, the panel said, broadly aligning with earlier government estimates.

“As the executive head Oli should be held responsible for anything good or bad,” the report stated.The panel also recommended prosecution of former home minister Ramesh Lekhak and then police chief Chandra Kuber Khapung, citing their roles in the handling of the crackdown.

None of the individuals named could be immediately reached for comment.Legal experts said the panel’s findings do not constitute formal charges and must be followed by a criminal investigation before any case is brought to court.“It is not a charge sheet and they cannot be jailed on the basis of this report,” said senior lawyer Dinesh Tripathi.

“There has to be a criminal investigation by police … The government can file the case in the court only after that.”If prosecuted and convicted, those named could face prison terms of up to 10 years, according to the report.

Analysts say the decision on whether to act on the recommendations now rests with Shah, 35, and his Rastriya Swatantra Party, which rose to power on the back of anti-corruption sentiment following the protests.

The panel also called for action against dozens of other officials and security personnel involved in the crackdown. Families of victims have continued to demand accountability for the deaths and injuries during the demonstrations.