REPUBLICA

“Heartfelt congratulations to senior leader Balendra Shah of the Rastriya Swatantra Party on his appointment as Prime Minister,” Oli wrote. “I also extend my best wishes for the success of all cabinet members.”

The aircraft took off at 12:17 pm today, but no communication has been received since, the Tribhuvan Airport Office confirmed. The Mustang Helicopter Pvt. Ltd. aircraft, with the callsign 9N-ANO, lost communication while flying from Kathmandu to Lapcha village of Charikot area in Dolakha. 

In a congratulatory message, Modi said Shah’s appointment reflects the trust and confidence placed in his leadership by the people of Nepal. He also expressed optimism about working closely with the new government in Kathmandu.

After taking his oath at Sheetal Niwas on Friday, Wagle assumed charge at the Ministry of Finance and immediately initiated the move to repeal laws seen as outdated or restrictive to business and investment.

Komal Oli shared the news on social media, expressing her grief: “It is with deep sorrow that I inform you that my beloved father Lalit Bahadur Oli passed away today after falling from the roof while sunbathing.

Prime Minister Shah retained the Defence and Industry and Commerce portfolios himself, while the remaining 14 ministers took their oath from the President.

According to the Office of the President’s Secretariat, Oli had informed in advance that he would be unable to attend the ceremony as he is observing traditional mourning rituals in white attire following the death of his father, Mohan Prasad Oli.

In the 15-member cabinet, Minister for Finance Dr Swarnim Wagle holds the second rank, while Minister for Home Affairs Sudan Gurung ranks third. 

Following the swearing-in of newly appointed Prime Minister Balendra Shah (Balen), the ministers in his cabinet also took the oath of office and secrecy today. 

He was sworn in by President Ram Chandra Paudel.