Pokhara, 27 March| Newly appointed Prime Minister Balen Shah has arrived at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers in Singha Durbar to formally assume his duties. Following the oath-taking ceremony, Shah is set to take charge of his office shortly, marking the beginning of his official tenure as the country’s executive head.
Earlier, President Ram Chandra Paudel administered the oath of office and secrecy to the 36-year-old leader along with 14 newly appointed ministers at a special ceremony held at Shital Niwas. The ceremony incorporated traditional elements, with Hindu batuks reciting sacred chants and Buddhist monks offering prayers, reflecting Nepal’s diverse cultural heritage.
Shah was appointed Prime Minister under Article 76(1) of the Constitution as the leader of the majority party in the House of Representatives. This marks the first time the provision has been exercised since the promulgation of the 2015 Constitution. His appointment is also historically significant as he becomes the first individual from the Madhesi community to hold the post.
Having resigned as Mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City, Shah contested the parliamentary elections held on February 21 and entered the federal legislature for the first time, directly ascending to the position of Prime Minister. His rapid political rise is being viewed as a notable shift in Nepal’s political landscape.
