Nepal’s youngest prime minister takes the oath of office
AP News • • world
Key Points:
- Balendra Shah, Nepal’s youngest prime minister at 35, took the oath of office after his Rastriya Swatantra Party won nearly two-thirds of the seats in the March 5 parliamentary elections.
- Shah, a political outsider and former rap artist turned structural engineer, will lead a government facing public frustration over corruption and political instability.
- The swearing-in ceremony included Hindu rituals and was held at an astrologically auspicious time, reflecting Nepal’s cultural emphasis on religion and numerology.
- Shah gained prominence during the youth-led uprising in September that toppled the previous government, expressing support for the Generation Z protesters.
- Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Shah, emphasizing the importance of India-Nepal relations and cooperation under his leadership.
