Kathmandu: Balendra Sah “Balen” has been appointed the 43rd Prime Minister of Nepal by President Ram Chandra Poudel, in accordance with Article 76(1) of the Constitution, as the parliamentary leader of the majority Rastriya Swatantra Party.

Electoral Victory and Appointment
Balen was elected from Jhapa Constituency No. 5 in the February 21 House of Representatives elections, securing a decisive victory over KP Sharma Oli.

He took the oath of office at 12:34 pm, formally assuming leadership of the new government.

15-Member Cabinet Formed
Prime Minister Balen has formed a 15-member Council of Ministers, including five women ministers. He has retained the Defense and Industry portfolios under his leadership.

Key appointments include:
-Swarnim Wagle – Finance Minister
-Sudhan Gurung – Home Minister
-Biraj Bhakta Shrestha – Energy Minister
-Sobita Gautam – Law Minister
-Shishir Khanal – Foreign Minister
-Pratibha Rawal – General Administration, Land Management & Poverty Alleviation
-Dr. Bikram Timilsina – Communications
-Dr. Deepak Sah – Labor, Employment & Social Security
-Sasmit Pokharel – Education, Science, Technology, Youth & Sports
-Khadak (Ganesh) Poudel – Tourism
-Geeta Chaudhary – Agriculture, Livestock, Forest & Environment
-Sita Badi – Women & Children
-Nisha Mehta – Health & Population

Last-Minute Changes
Amresh Kumar Singh, earlier speculated for the Industry Ministry, was dropped at the last moment.
With the cabinet now in place, the new government is set to begin its administrative and policy agenda.