Balen sworn in as Mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City

Newly elected Mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City, Balendra Shah took oath of office and secrecy today. He was administered the oath of office by Kathmandu Chief Election Officer Raju Kumar Khatiwada.

After taking the oath in Nepali, he also took the oath in Newari, the local language of Kathmandu. He then administered the oath of office to Deputy Chief Sunita Dangol and ward chairpersons and ward members of wards 1 to 32 of Kathmandu.

Although all those who took oath today wore tika and garlands, Chief Balendra Shah did not wear it. His wife, who was present at the event, also wore a Tika and a garland. Kathmandu Deputy Chief Sunita Dangol also took the oath in Newari.

At the program, the supporters of Chief Shah chanted "We love you balen" and even went to the stage and waved the national flag to him.

Elected public representatives on the platform to receive their certificates congratulated Chief Shah.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Electoral Officer Raju Kumar Khatiwada said that the people's representatives should take action to improve the election system as the counting of votes was delayed due to the current election system. He said that it took a lot of time for the voters to cast their votes as the ballot papers were big, the sealing room was small and many people had to stamp their ballots. He suggested separating the ballot papers of the chief, deputy chief and others. He hoped the election would improve in five years.

Kathmandu Metropolitan City Balendra Shah was reinstated in office today. However, he said that he would not wear garlands and would not give interviews to the media until the garbage of Kathmandu is managed. He said that the residents of Shishdol have health problems. They have the right to live. They are currently suffering from cancer, respiratory problems etc. There is no point in wearing a garland in such a situation.

Therefore, waste management will be his main task, he said. He asked the journalists when they would understand the problem.