Now in power, Nepal’s rapper-politician Balen Shah faces new challenge | Politics

Balen Shah, the newly sworn-in prime minister of Nepal, faces a significant challenge in navigating expectations and delivering on promises made during his landslide victory. His Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) secured a two-thirds majority, exceeding even their own projections, but analysts warn that this overwhelming mandate could lead to unrealistic expectations from voters. The party's leader, Shishir Khanal, acknowledges the need for Shah to manage these expectations and prioritize anticorruption measures as well as addressing the demands of the Gen Z movement. Balen Shah will also face scrutiny regarding his relationship with Rabi Lamichhane, the controversial founder of the RSP, who remains chairman despite facing allegations of fraud and money laundering. The success of this alliance hinges on their ability to manage expectations and navigate potential friction between them. Shah's political novelty could prove beneficial as he seeks to implement reforms and address concerns raised by voters during last year's protests.