Balendra Shah Sworn In as Prime Minister of Nepal
Why in the news
Nepal got a new head of government on 27 March 2026 when Balendra Shah, a former Kathmandu mayor, took oath as prime minister following a landslide win for his party.
Key facts
- Party: Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), founded in 2022.
- Election date: 5 March 2026; RSP won 182 of 275 seats in the House of Representatives, well above the 138-seat majority mark.
- Constituency: Shah defeated four-time PM K. P. Sharma Oli in Jhapa-5.
- Background: former Kathmandu mayor and rapper; widely reported as Nepal’s youngest prime minister.
- Predecessor: interim PM Sushila Karki.
Election at a glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Total House seats | 275 |
| Majority mark | 138 |
| RSP seats | 182 |
| Polling date | 5 March 2026 |
Background
Sushila Karki, a former Chief Justice, led an interim government after the administration collapsed during youth-led protests in September 2025. Her mandate was to hold free and fair elections within about six months.
Exam angle
- Neighbouring-country leaders are frequent static GK items; note the name and party.
- Remember the seat figures: 182 of 275, majority at 138.
- Interim PM before him: Sushila Karki.