Balendra Shah, a former rapper turned young politician, was officially sworn in as Nepal's prime minister after securing victory in the country's first election since the major anti-corruption protests that toppled the old government last year.
Balendra Shah, 35, a reform-minded leader and head of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), created a "new generation changing the city" phenomenon by winning 182 out of 275 seats in the House of Representatives in the election held on 5 March.
At the swearing-in ceremony, Shah appeared dressed entirely in black with his signature dark sunglasses amid cheers from the crowd calling his name. He took the oath saying, "I, Balendra Shah, on behalf of the country and its people, solemnly swear to be loyal to the constitution."
Just one day before the ceremony, Shah communicated with the public for the first time through a rap song posted on social media, emphasizing the power of unity and courage, which quickly reached 3 million views.
Shah's rise to power followed unrest last year that began with protests against a social media ban, escalating into demands to oust the government over corruption and an economic crisis. The unrest resulted in at least 77 deaths.
Former Chief Justice and acting Prime Minister Susila Karki, 73, bid farewell to her post on national television, stating that the nation's future lies in the hands of the younger generation and expressing confidence that the new government will end corruption and establish justice in society.
Reports reveal that an investigation into the protest crackdown, leaked to international media, recommends prosecuting former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, 74, along with former interior ministers and police commanders for negligence leading to deaths, especially for failing to prevent the use of live ammunition on protesters. Autopsies showed most victims were shot in the chest and head.
Balendra Shah defeated Oli in Oli's own electoral district, marking the end of the old political era and the full beginning of a new generation's leadership.
. SourceBBC