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Prime Minister Balendra Shah’s early days in office have signaled a striking departure from traditional governance. From his restrained public presence to his assertive administrative reforms, Shah’s approach suggests an attempt to redefine how executive power is exercised. 

One of the most visible shifts has been his communication style—or the lack thereof. Unlike previous prime ministers, who typically engaged with the media immediately after assuming office, Shah has remained notably silent. He has neither addressed the press nor issued public statements, signaling a preference for action over rhetoric.

Even celebratory political norms were curtailed; his party instructed lawmakers not to organize victory rallies, and Shah himself kept his sole appearance brief and speechless.

Diplomatic conventions have also been disrupted. Traditionally, ambassadors from major nations meet a newly appointed prime minister within a day of the oath-taking ceremony. Shah, however, has limited such engagements, meeting diplomats only during the official ceremony. By avoiding customary congratulatory exchanges, he has maintained an unusually quiet Prime Minister’s Office.

At the same time, Shah has embraced symbolic gestures rooted in tradition. He followed Hindu rituals during his oath-taking and conducted a special pujabefore entering the official residence in Baluwatar. 

Structurally, Shah moved quickly to streamline the government. He reduced the number of ministries from 24 to 15, emphasizing efficiency. He also directed government secretaries to either accelerate their work or step down, demonstrating a results-oriented approach. 

Policy-wise, Shah’s administration has taken bold steps. The government issued a public apology to Dalits and historically marginalized communities—an acknowledgment of centuries of systemic oppression. This commitment is part of a broader 100-point governance reform agenda approved by the cabinet.

On the day of his swearing-in, the arrest of former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli by the Ministry of Home Affairs sent shockwaves through the political landscape, underscoring Shah’s willingness to maintain accountability. 

 Further reinforcing this stance, the cabinet decided to form a high-level commission to investigate the assets of public officials dating back to 1990.

Perhaps the most significant break from the past lies in cabinet formation. Shah has prioritized merit and professional expertise over political compromise, resisting pressure from party insiders. Senior leaders expected to secure ministerial positions were sidelined as Shah asserted his authority to choose his team independently. This has allowed him to maintain tighter control over his cabinet and demand greater accountability.

In a positive sign for legislative stability, he has begun reaching out to other parties in Parliament. He has consulted with lawmakers across the political spectrum to gather their views on the budget and the government’s priorities.

Furthermore, as the Rastriya Swatantra Party pledged to amend the constitution in its election manifesto, the government has formed a committee led by Ashim Shah, the PM’s chief political advisor, to prepare a foundational document for constitutional amendment.

 Balen Shah’s premiership is marked by a blend of administrative assertiveness, cultural symbolism, and political independence. While his opaque style and limited communication may invite criticism, his decisive actions and reform-oriented agenda set him apart from his predecessors. Whether this unconventional approach will yield long-term stability remains to be seen, but it has already redefined leadership expectations in Nepal.

The Supreme Court has issued a show cause order in the writ petition filed calling for the release of CPN-UML Chair and former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli from detention. 

Oli was detained from his residence on Saturday, after the newly elected government decided to implement the report of the inquiry commission formed to investigate the September 8 and 9 protests and subsequent incidents.

A single bench of Justice Meghraj Pokharel today asked the defendant in the case to submit a written response, along with the grounds and reasons, through the Attorney General's Office within three days from the date of receipt of the order. 

The apex court has also asked the respondents to present the investigation file, including the Karki Commission's investigation report to the bench on the day of the hearing. 

Chairman Oli's wife Radhika Shakya had filed a writ petition, demanding his release from detention.

Shram Sanskriti Party Chairman Harka Sampang said that he has lodged a complaint at the Cyber Bureau of the Nepal Police against an individual for allegedly issuing death threats via social media. 

Sampang, also Member of Parliament in the incumbent government, mentioned that a TikTok account named 'Sunita Khadka' sent him messages threatening to kill him and his family and set his house on fire.

Posting a message in his social media account, he also complained that the account holder individual also used abusive language and spread misleading information across social media platforms such as Facebook and TikTok. 

"Threats have been made to kill me and my family as well as to burn down my house. Abusive language has been used on social media, spreading misleading information in the society. I urge strict legal action under the prevailing laws of Nepal," he said in a statement shared on social media.

The government has decided to recommend to President Ram Chandra Paudel to convene a session of the Federal Parliament on April 2.

A Cabinet meeting held on Monday made the decision to this effect, government spokesperson and Minister for Education Sasmit Pokharel said