Goa, Aug. 24 -- Nepal Prime Minister Balendra "Balen" Shah entered office with enormous public expectations. Just 150 days ago, the former Kathmandu mayor appeared to represent a dramatic break from Nepal's traditional political establishment. His rise was powered by a strong youth movement and widespread frustration with the country's established political leaders.

Shah, a former rapper and structural engineer, had already built a reputation as a politically unconventional leader during his tenure as Kathmandu mayor. His popularity among younger voters helped propel him into national politics, where his Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) secured a majority in the March election. His victory over veteran leader KP Sharma Oli in Jhapa further...