Meet Nepal's New Prime Minister: Balendra Shah, the Youngest Leader in History

Balendra Shah has been appointed as Nepal's new Prime Minister, making history as the youngest leader in the country's political landscape. His recent election victory with the Rastriya Swatantra Party marks a significant generational shift in Nepalese politics. Shah's background as a former mayor and his academic credentials in engineering are expected to influence his governance approach. The oath-taking ceremony will feature traditional Hindu and Buddhist rituals, reflecting the cultural significance of this momentous occasion. Discover more about Shah's journey and the implications of his leadership in Nepal.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 27, 2026, 12:08 IST

Balendra Shah Takes Office as Nepal's Prime Minister

Kathmandu: Balendra Shah, leader of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), has officially been named the new Prime Minister of Nepal.

On Friday, President Ram Chandra Poudel appointed Shah, a former mayor of Kathmandu, to this significant role in accordance with Article 76(1) of the Constitution, as stated by the President’s Office.

Shah's rise to the premiership follows a remarkable victory for the RSP in the recent parliamentary elections, where they achieved a near two-thirds majority. He was elected as the party's parliamentary leader just a day prior.

The new Prime Minister is set to take his oath of office at 12:34 PM on Friday, with traditional Hindu ceremonies accompanying the event. The rituals will include the performance of Shankha Naad by seven conch players, a practice believed to bless new beginnings.

In addition to this, 108 Vedic priests will recite Swasti Shanti, while 16 Buddhist monks will chant the Ashtamangala, both of which hold significance in Hindu and Buddhist customs.

At just 35 years old, Shah is among the youngest individuals to assume the role of Prime Minister in Nepal's history. The recent elections saw a notable influx of younger lawmakers, indicating a shift in the political landscape.

Shah, who gained popularity among the youth, entered national politics on December 28 of the previous year. His candidacy was pivotal in the RSP's campaign, leading to a decisive win in the March 5 elections, where the party secured 182 out of 275 seats in the House of Representatives.

In a significant electoral battle, Shah triumphed over former Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli by a staggering margin of 49,614 votes, garnering 68,348 votes compared to Oli's 18,734 in Jhapa-5, marking the highest vote count for any candidate in Nepal's parliamentary elections since 1991.

Shah's political journey began in 2022 when he successfully ran for mayor of Kathmandu as an independent candidate.

Born on April 27, 1990, in Kathmandu to a Madhesi family that prioritized education and culture, Shah earned his bachelor's degree in Kathmandu before completing a master's in Structural Engineering from Visvesvaraya Technological University in India.

His engineering background has equipped him with valuable insights into infrastructure and urban development, influencing his governance style during his tenure as mayor.