Balendra Shah Sworn in as Nepal's Youngest Prime Minister Amid Historic Changes
Balendra Shah Takes Office as Prime Minister of Nepal
On Friday, Balendra Shah, popularly known as Balen, was officially sworn in as Nepal's prime minister, marking a significant political shift just six months after the previous government led by K P Sharma Oli was removed following a youth-driven protest. At 35, Balen, the leader of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), has become the youngest individual to hold this position in Nepal's history. The ceremony took place at the President's Office in Sheetal Niwas, officiated by President Ram Chandra Paudel at precisely 12:34 PM.
The swearing-in ceremony was a unique blend of Hindu and Buddhist traditions, featuring various rituals such as conch blowing by seven brahmins and the recitation of Vedic hymns by 108 young brahmins, alongside Buddhist scripture recitations by 107 Lamas.
Earlier that day, Balen was appointed as the 47th Prime Minister under Article 76(1) of the Constitution. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his congratulations, expressing eagerness to collaborate with Balen to enhance India-Nepal relations. Modi emphasized the trust placed in Balen by the Nepalese people and the importance of their friendship.
Nepal's geographical reliance on India for trade and access to the sea underscores the significance of this relationship. Additionally, Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif congratulated Balen, highlighting the longstanding ties between the two nations and the desire to strengthen cooperation for regional stability.
China also acknowledged Balen's appointment, with a spokesperson expressing readiness to work with the new government to bolster their traditional friendship and cooperation.
Balen's election comes after a period of unrest that led to the ousting of the previous coalition government. Following this, former chief justice Sushila Karki briefly served as interim prime minister. Balen, however, opted to contest the parliamentary elections rather than lead an interim government.
In the March 5 elections, Balen achieved a remarkable victory, defeating the four-time prime minister Sharma Oli in the Jhapa-5 constituency, a stronghold of the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist). The RSP secured a staggering 182 out of 275 seats in the House of Representatives, allowing them to form a majority government.
In addition to Balen, several ministers were sworn in during the ceremony, including Swarnim Wagle as Finance Minister and Shisir Khanal as Foreign Affairs Minister. Balen will also oversee the Defence Ministry and the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and Supplies.
With this election, Balen has made history as the youngest democratically elected prime minister of Nepal, a notable achievement in a nation where previous young leaders were often appointed rather than elected.