Last Updated on March 27, 2026 5:07 pm by INDIAN AWAAZ
AMN / KATHMANDU
In a significant political development with regional implications, Balendra Shah of the Rastriya Swatantra Party was sworn in as Prime Minister of Nepal on Friday, marking the first time a leader from the Madhesi community has assumed the country’s top executive office. President Ramchandra Paudel administered the oath at the presidential residence, Sheetal Niwas, during a ceremony that blended Hindu and Buddhist traditions, reflecting Nepal’s cultural diversity.
Shah’s rise signals a major political shift in Nepal’s evolving democratic landscape, as he defeated veteran leader KP Sharma Oli in the recent parliamentary elections from a constituency long considered Oli’s stronghold. His victory underscores changing voter preferences and the growing influence of newer political forces in the Himalayan nation.
A structural engineer and former rapper, Shah first gained national prominence after winning the Kathmandu mayoral election in 2022 as an independent candidate. He later joined the RSP in 2025, transitioning from local governance to national leadership within a short span, a move seen by observers as emblematic of a generational and political shift in Nepal.
Following his swearing-in, President Paudel also administered the oath to a 14-member Council of Ministers, including economist Swarnim Wagle as Finance Minister and Shishir Khanal as Foreign Minister, indicating a mix of technocratic and reform-oriented leadership.
Shah’s leadership is expected to be closely watched across South Asia, particularly for its potential impact on governance reforms, economic policy, and regional stability, as Nepal navigates a complex domestic and geopolitical environment.
The home ministry is allocated to Sudan Gurung. Gurung, who rose to prominence during the Gen Z movement through his NGO Hami Nepal, was elected from Gorkha-2. RSP vice-chair Swarnim Wagle becomes the minister for Finance. He is an expert on economic affairs and was elected twice from Tanahun-1 to the House of Representatives. Bikram Timilsina becomes Minister of Communication & Information Technology. Shishir Khanal takes an oath for Foreign Affairs. He heads the RSP’s foreign affairs department.
Similarly, Khadka Raj (Ganesh) Paudel was appointed as the minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation. He was elected from Kaski-1. Dipak Sah from Mahottari takes an oath as minister for Labour and Employment. Biraj Bhakta Shrestha took oath as the minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation. He is a Kathmandu-based leader and served as the parliamentary party leader of the RSP.
Gita Chaudhary was appointed as the Minister of Agriculture and Livestock Development, Forests, and Environment. An advocate by profession, she was elected under proportional representation. Sasmit Pokharel, elected from Kathmandu-5, takes an oath as the minister for Education, Science and Technology, and Youth and Sports. Sita Badi became minister for Women, Children and Senior Citizens, while Sunil Lamsal took an oath as the Minister of Physical Infrastructure and Transport, and Urban Development. Nisha Mehata took an oath as the Minister of Health and Population, and Water Supply. Pratibha Rawal is appointed as the minister for Federal Affairs and General Administration, and Land Management, Cooperatives and Poverty Alleviation. She has a background in journalism and was elected under the proportional representation system. Rawal is also the party’s co-spokesperson. Sobita Gautam becomes minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs. A legal expert, she won from Chitwan-3.
PM Modi Congratulates Balendra Shah on Becoming Nepal’s PM
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has congratulated Mr. Balendra Shah on being sworn in as the Prime Minister of Nepal. In a social media post, the Prime Minister said that the appointment reflects the trust reposed in Mr Shah’s leadership by the people of Nepal. Mr Modi added that he looks forward to working closely with the Nepal PM to take India-Nepal friendship and cooperation to even greater heights for the mutual benefit of the citizens of both nations.