Balendra Shah on Friday took oath as Nepal’s youngest Prime Minister. He assumed the office under Article 76(1) of the Constitution as the parliamentary party leader of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP). His oath was administered by President Ramchandra Paudel at the President’s Office, Sheetal Niwas, according to Kathmandu Post. “I, Balendra Shah, in the name of the country and people, pledge that I will be loyal to the constitution… and fulfil my duty as the prime minister,” Shah said. He was dressed all black and wore his trademark dark sunglasses, according to AFP. Shah, 35, becomes the first leader from the Madheshi community to hold the country’s top executive post. The swearing-in ceremony was marked by traditional rituals, including shankhanaad (blowing of conch shells), swastishanti recitations by 108 Batuks and ashtamangal chanting by 16 Buddhist monks, according to the RSP.The rapper-turned-politician, who previously served as Kathmandu’s mayor, rose to national prominence through his confrontational style against the federal establishment, often challenging Singha Durbar, the seat of power in the Himalayan nation. His political career has been shaped by his advocacy for Kathmandu’s governance rights and his bold stances during public controversies, including clashes with authorities and cultural disputes.Shah’s appointment follows the House of Representatives elections held on March 5, in which the RSP emerged as the largest party with 182 seats. The party had announced before the election that Shah would be its nominee for prime minister.
PM Modi congratulates Balendra Shah
Prime Minster Narendra Modi congratulated Shah on his appointment as Nepal’s PM. He further expressed hope on expanding India-Nepal ties and working closely with him. In a post on X, he wrote: “Warm congratulations to Mr. Balendra Shah on being sworn in as the Prime Minister of Nepal. Your appointment reflects the trust reposed in your leadership by the people of Nepal. I look forward to working closely with you to take India-Nepal friendship and cooperation to even greater heights for the mutual benefit of our two peoples.”
