Nepal’s Music to Politics Convergence Claims Victory Over Former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli

Kathmandu, Nepal — Balendra Shah, a 35-year-old rapper-turned-politician, has secured victory in Nepal’s parliamentary elections, unseating former Prime Minister ‘KP Sharma Oli’ . The outcome signals a significant shift in the country’s political landscape, ending decades of coalition rule by established parties. Shah’s Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), a newly formed centrist group, achieved a commanding majority in the March 7, 2026, elections, following months of youth-led protests that led to the resignation of the previous administration.

Nepal’s Election Commission reported on March 7 that Shah received ‘68,348’ votes in his Jhapa-5 constituency, surpassing Oli’s ‘18,734’ . The RSP’s lead in directly elected seats and proportional representation votes suggests the party could secure a two-thirds majority in the 275-member House of Representatives, according to partial results. Analysts characterized the result as a reflection of public discontent with entrenched political parties that have governed Nepal since its 2008 constitution.

Shah’s Rise and Party Success

Shah’s RSP has won 77 of 97 declared seats and all 15 seats in the Kathmandu Valley, positioning the party to form the next government. The party’s proportional representation vote count also indicates strong support, though final certification of exact figures is pending.

Shah, known as ‘Balen,’ gained prominence during the 2025 youth-led protests that forced Prime Minister Oli’s resignation. His song ‘Balidan’ (Sacrifice), a Nepali-language track with millions of YouTube views, became a protest anthem. As a former Kathmandu mayor, Shah campaigned on economic reform pledges, including creating 1.2 million jobs and doubling Nepal’s GDP to $100 billion within five years. His party also promised universal healthcare insurance and measures to reduce forced migration.

Youth Movement and Protests

The 2025 protests, initially sparked by Oli’s social media ban, evolved into a broader movement against systemic corruption and class inequality. Protesters, labeled ‘nepo kids’ by critics, highlighted the privileges of politicians’ children and demanded structural reforms. Violence during the demonstrations resulted in 77 deaths, including 17 police officers, according to a BBC investigation. The police chief at the time reportedly authorized the use of lethal force against unarmed protesters, a revelation that intensified public outrage.

Shah’s support for the protesters and his criticism of Oli’s leadership resonated with voters. ‘He betrayed his country,’ Shah said of Oli, who later congratulated him on social media, acknowledging the election’s outcome.

Implications for Nepal’s Future

With the RSP poised to form the next government, Nepal faces a pivotal moment. The party’s mandate to address economic stagnation and political corruption could stabilize the country, which has experienced 14 governments in 18 years. International observers, including India, have expressed interest in the outcome, citing potential regional stability.

“ This is a turning point for Nepal,” said political analyst ‘Chandra Dev Bhatta.’ “The new generation is demanding transparency, and the RSP’s victory shows voters are ready to hold leaders accountable.”

As Shah prepares to assume leadership, the focus will shift to implementing his party’s ambitious agenda. The challenge lies in balancing rapid economic reforms with the demands of a diverse population, ensuring Nepal’s political transformation delivers tangible results for its citizens.