Balendra Shah, popularly known as ‘Balen’, was sworn in as Nepal’s 47th Prime Minister on Friday, marking a historic political transition driven by a strong youth mandate. The 35-year-old leader assumed office nearly six months after the previous government led by K P Sharma Oli was ousted following widespread protests, reported news agency PTI.

Balen, a former rapper and engineer who rose to prominence as the mayor of Kathmandu, represents the Rastriya Swatantra Party, which secured a decisive electoral victory earlier this month.