Balen Shah sworn in as Nepal’s Prime Minister, becomes first Madhesi leader to hold top post | Full cabinet announced

In a historic move, Balendra or Balen Shah has taken the oath as the Prime Minister of Nepal. The ceremony was held at Shital Niwas, where President Ramchandra Paudel formally administered the oath in a special event.

This marks the first time since the promulgation of the Constitution of Nepal 2072 that Article 76(1) has been used to appoint a Prime Minister. It is also the first time a member of the Madhesi community has assumed Nepal’s top executive post.

Advertisement

From mayor to Prime Minister in months

Balen Shah, previously the Mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City, resigned to contest the parliamentary elections. Running from Jhapa Constituency No. 5, he defeated former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli by nearly 50,000 votes.

Immediately after entering the parliament, he became the Prime Minister.

Key cabinet appointments

Prime Minister Balen has personally taken charge of the Defense and Industry ministries. Other cabinet members include:

Swarnim Wagle – Finance Minister

Sudhan Gurung – Home Minister

Shishir Khanal – Foreign Minister

Sunil Lamsal – Physical Infrastructure, Transport, and Urban Development

Biraj Bhakta Shrestha – Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation

Khadkaraj Paudel (Ganess) – Tourism

Sasmit Pokhrel – Education, Science & Technology, Youth & Sports

Nisha Mehta – Health and Population

Bikram Timilsina – Communications

Pratibha Rawal – General Administration

Deepak Sah (Mahottari) – Labour and Employment

Sobita Gautam – Law

Gita Chaudhary – Agriculture & Livestock, Forests & Environment

Sita Badi – Women, Children, and Social Welfare

Also Read: Political Snub in Kathmandu: Veteran MP Amresh Kumar Singh turns down ministerial position, Balen Shah keeps top ministries