PM Modi assures cooperation to Nepal as Balen Shah's RSP sweeps elections

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Nepal on its successful elections, marking a significant moment in its democratic journey.

Published on: Mar 8, 2026, 12:57:43 IST

By HT News Desk

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday congratulated the people and government of Nepal for the successful conduct of elections in the Himalayan nation, and said the historic milestone is a proud moment in Nepal’s democratic journey.

The Prime Minister also reaffirmed India's commitment to working with Nepal's new government for shared progress and prosperity. (@NarendraModi)

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Modi also said as a close friend and neighbour, India remains steadfast in its commitment to working closely with the people of Nepal and its new government to scale new heights of shared peace, progress and prosperity. “I warmly congratulate the people and government of Nepal on the successful and peaceful conduct of elections. It is heartening to see my Nepali sisters and brothers exercise their democratic rights so vibrantly. This historic milestone is a proud moment in Nepal’s democratic journey,” Modi said in a post on X.

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Rapper-turned-politician Balendra Shah’s Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) was on Saturday heading towards a landslide victory in Nepal’s first general elections since the violent Gen Z protests last year, shattering the dominance of the established political parties.

The RSP, which was formed in 2022 by Rabi Lamichhane, has won 39 of the 50 seats declared so far, including a clean sweep in the 10 constituencies of Kathmandu district, and is leading in 80 others, according to the Election Commission of Nepal.

The RSP, which has projected Balendra Shah as its PM candidate and organised its first election campaign at Janakpur in Madhesh, is heading towards a clean sweep of the province.

ALSO READ | Nepal Elections 2026: Why are there two types of ballot in Nepal and what is mixed electoral system?

The high-stakes election on Thursday came six months after deadly protests toppled the government led by Oli, with at least 77 people killed.

The September 2025 youth-led demonstrations, under a loose Gen Z banner, began over a brief social media ban but quickly tapped into broader grievances over corruption and a struggling economy.

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HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

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