Balendra Shah (Balen) has been appointed prime minister under Article 76(1) of the Constitution, as the parliamentary party leader of the Rastriya Swatantra Party.

President Ramchandra Paudel appointed Shah as prime minister on Friday morning. This marks the first time a leader from the Madheshi community has become prime minister.

Shah is scheduled to take the oath of office and secrecy at 12:34 pm on Friday itself. The RSP had already informed the President’s Office about the auspicious timing for the oath.

The swearing-in ceremony at the President’s Office, Sheetal Niwas, will include the performance of shankhanaad (blowing of conch shells). In addition, swastishanti recitations will be performed by 108 Batuks, while 16 Buddhist monks will conduct ashtamangal chanting, according to the RSP.

In the House of Representatives elections held on March 5, the RSP emerged as the largest party with 182 seats. The party had announced before the election that senior leader Shah would be made prime minister.