Kathmandu: Rapper-turned-politician Balendra Shah, popularly known as ‘Balen’, was sworn in as Nepal’s Prime Minister on Friday following a decisive electoral victory in the country’s first national polls after last year’s youth-led protests
President Ramchandra Paudel administered the oath of office and secrecy to Shah after appointing him under Article 76(1) of the Constitution at a special ceremony attended by senior political leaders, members of the diplomatic corps, and top constitutional authorities, The Himalayan Times reported.
The swearing-in ceremony held at the Office of the President was notable for being conducted in a Vedic–Sanatan tradition for the first time, featuring conch shell blowing, recitations by Batuks, and chants by Buddhist monks.
Shah, leader of the Rastriya Swatantra Party, was unanimously chosen as the parliamentary party leader a day earlier. He was elected to the House of Representatives from Jhapa-5 in the recent elections, marking his entry into federal politics after previously serving as the Mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City.
Following his appointment, Shah announced his Cabinet, while retaining key portfolios including Defence and Industry. Swarnim Wagle was named Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister, while Sudhan Gurung took charge of the Home Ministry. Shishir Khanal was appointed Foreign Minister, and Sunil Lamsal will head Physical Infrastructure, Transport and Urban Development.
Other appointments include Biraj Bhakta Shrestha for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation; Khadka Raj Paudel for Tourism; Sasmit Pokharel for Education, Science and Technology along with Youth and Sports; Nisha Mehta for Health and Population; Bikram Timilsina for Communications; and Pratibha Rawal for Federal Affairs and General Administration.
Additionally, Dipak Sah will oversee Labour and Employment, Sobita Gautam Law, Geeta Chaudhary Agriculture and Livestock Development along with Forest and Environment, and Sita Badi Women, Children and Senior Citizens.
An engineer by training and a former rapper, Shah gained prominence during his tenure as Kathmandu mayor, where he was associated with urban reforms and infrastructure initiatives.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Shah on his appointment, expressing confidence in strengthening bilateral ties.
“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,” Modi said in a post on X.
