PM Narendra Modi Extends Congratulations to Nepal's New Prime Minister Balendra Shah
Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India has formally congratulated Balendra 'Balen' Shah on his appointment as the 47th Prime Minister of Nepal. In a social media post on X, PM Modi expressed his optimism and eagerness to collaborate closely with the new leader to enhance the longstanding friendship and cooperation between India and Nepal.
PM Modi's Message of Goodwill and Cooperation
In his congratulatory message, PM Modi highlighted that Shah's appointment reflects the profound trust placed in his leadership by the people of Nepal. He emphasized that working together would further solidify the bilateral ties between New Delhi and Kathmandu, ultimately benefiting the citizens of both nations. The Prime Minister stated, "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."
Historic Swearing-In Ceremony in Kathmandu
Balendra Shah was officially sworn in as Nepal's Prime Minister during a special ceremony held at the Office of the President in Kathmandu. The oath of office and secrecy was administered by Nepal's President Ramchandra Paudel, following Shah's appointment under Article 76(1) of the Constitution. The event was attended by a distinguished gathering, including:
- Vice President Ram Sahaya Prasad Yadav
- Chief Justice Prakash Man Singh Raut
- National Assembly Chair Narayan Prasad Dahal
- Former prime ministers of Nepal
- Senior government officials and security chiefs
- Members of the diplomatic community
At 35 years old, Balendra Shah now stands as one of the youngest individuals to assume the role of Prime Minister in Nepal's history, marking a significant milestone in the nation's political landscape.
Balendra Shah's Rapid Political Ascent
Balendra Shah's journey to the premiership is a remarkable story of political disruption. In 2022, he made headlines by dismantling Nepal's established political machinery to become the Mayor of Kathmandu. Running as an independent candidate under the symbol of a walking stick, Shah secured 61,767 votes, decisively outperforming seasoned politicians from major parties like the Nepali Congress and CPN-UML.
His background as a structural engineer, coupled with his distinctive style—often seen wearing black rectangular sunglasses—and his history in the underground rap scene, set him apart as a unique and influential figure. Now, just four years after his mayoral victory, Shah has ascended to the highest office in the country, transitioning from a local phenomenon to a national leader.
Recent Parliamentary Developments in Nepal
The swearing-in of Prime Minister Shah coincides with significant parliamentary activities in Nepal. The first meeting of the new Parliament convened recently, with newly elected members taking their oaths of office and secrecy. This session follows the dissolution of the previous Parliament in September 2025, which occurred amid Gen-Z protests.
In the House of Representatives elections held on March 5, the Rastriya Swatantra Party emerged as the largest party, securing 182 seats. The electoral results under different systems are as follows:
- First-Past-the-Post (FPTP) System:
- Rastriya Swatantra Party: 125 seats
- Nepali Congress: 19 seats
- CPN-UML: 9 seats
- Other parties and independents: 12 seats
- Proportional Representation (PR) System:
- Rastriya Swatantra Party: 57 seats
- Nepali Congress: 20 seats
- CPN-UML: 16 seats
- Other parties: 17 seats
The House of Representatives, as per constitutional provisions, comprises a total of 275 members, with 165 elected through the FPTP system and 110 through the PR system. These developments underscore the dynamic and evolving political environment in Nepal as the nation welcomes its new Prime Minister.
