Balen Shah Becomes Nepal’s Youngest Prime Minister After RSP Landslide Victory

Kathmandu, March 2026: In a major political development, Balendra Shah has been appointed as the new Prime Minister of Nepal, marking a generational shift in the country’s leadership. Popularly known as Balen, the 35-year-old leader was appointed by President Ram Chandra Poudel under Article 76(1) of the Constitution, according to an official statement.

Shah’s appointment follows a decisive electoral victory by the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), which secured a near two-thirds majority in the recent parliamentary elections. On Thursday, the party formally elected him as its parliamentary party leader, clearing the path for him to become Nepal’s 47th Prime Minister.

The swearing-in ceremony is scheduled to take place at the President’s Office, accompanied by traditional Hindu and Buddhist rituals. As part of the ceremony, seven conch players will perform the Shankha Naad, symbolising an auspicious beginning. Additionally, 108 Vedic priests will recite Swasti Shanti, while 16 Buddhist monks will chant the Ashtamangala, reflecting Nepal’s rich cultural and religious harmony.

Shah’s rise to power is being widely seen as a reflection of changing political dynamics in Nepal, with a strong mandate from younger voters. A significant number of newly elected lawmakers also belong to younger age groups, signalling a shift away from traditional political leadership.

A prominent figure among the youth, Shah formally entered national politics in December last year. His leadership played a crucial role in the RSP’s impressive performance in the March 5 elections, where the party won 182 out of 275 seats in the House of Representatives. The party had projected Shah as its prime ministerial candidate throughout the campaign, which resonated strongly with voters seeking change.

In a key electoral contest, Shah defeated former Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli by a significant margin in Jhapa-5 constituency. He secured 68,348 votes against Oli’s 18,734, recording one of the highest vote tallies in Nepal’s parliamentary history since 1991.

Shah’s political journey began in 2022 when he contested and won the Kathmandu mayoral election as an independent candidate. His tenure as mayor earned him recognition for his focus on urban governance, infrastructure development, and efficient public service delivery.

Born on April 27, 1990, in Kathmandu, Shah comes from a Madhesi family that emphasised education and cultural values. He completed his early education in Nepal before pursuing a master’s degree in Structural Engineering from Visvesvaraya Technological University in India.

His technical background has influenced his governance style, particularly in areas such as urban planning and infrastructure. As he assumes office, expectations are high that his leadership will bring a fresh approach to governance and address the aspirations of a new generation of Nepali citizens.