Nepal’s Prime Minister’s Office conveyed appreciation for the message and emphasised Shah’s commitment to advancing the longstanding relationship between India and Nepal for shared growth and prosperity
Balendra Shah. Pic/AFP
Newly sworn-in Nepal Prime Minister Balendra Shah on Saturday thanked Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his congratulatory message, expressing eagerness to work closely to strengthen ties between the two countries.
In an official response, Nepal’s Prime Minister’s Office conveyed appreciation for the message and emphasised Shah’s commitment to advancing the longstanding relationship between India and Nepal for shared growth and prosperity, reported IANS.
Modi extends support following swearing-in
Prime Minister Modi had earlier congratulated Shah on assuming office, highlighting India’s readiness to collaborate in further strengthening bilateral relations. He reiterated the importance of the historic friendship between the two neighbouring nations and expressed optimism about taking it to greater heights, reported IANS.
The exchange of messages signals a positive start to diplomatic engagement between the two leaders, with both sides underlining cooperation across sectors.
Shah appointed as Nepal’s 47th Prime Minister
Shah, who serves as the parliamentary party leader of the Rastriya Swatantra Party, was sworn in as Nepal’s Prime Minister following his formal appointment by President Ram Chandra Paudel.
According to an official statement, the appointment was made under Article 76(1) of Nepal’s Constitution after his party secured a decisive mandate in the parliamentary elections, reported IANS.
Election victory marks generational political shift
The Rastriya Swatantra Party registered a sweeping victory in the recent elections, winning 182 out of 275 seats in the House of Representatives. Shah’s leadership played a crucial role in the party’s success, as he emerged as a popular choice, particularly among younger voters.
At 35, Shah is among the youngest leaders to hold the office of Prime Minister in Nepal. His rise reflects a broader generational shift in the country’s political landscape, with a significant number of newly elected lawmakers belonging to younger age groups.
He also achieved a record-breaking electoral win in Jhapa-5, defeating former Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli by a margin of 49,614 votes — the highest recorded margin in Nepal’s parliamentary elections since 1991.
From Kathmandu mayor to national leadership
Before entering national politics, Shah gained prominence as the Mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City, where he was elected as an independent candidate in 2022. His tenure was marked by a focus on urban development, infrastructure improvements, and governance reforms.
Born in Kathmandu in 1990, Shah pursued higher education in engineering, including a master’s degree in Structural Engineering from Visvesvaraya Technological University. His technical background has been seen as an asset in shaping his administrative approach.
His rapid political rise, from city leadership to the country’s highest executive office within a few years, underscores his growing influence in Nepal’s evolving political landscape.
(With inputs from IANS)
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