Too cool for parliament? Nepal PM cleared to wear signature sunglasses for medical reasons

KATHMANDU, Aug 26 — Nepal's Prime Minister Balendra Shah may don his signature dark sunglasses in the legislature due to medical reasons, an official revealed yesterday, following the parliament speaker's earlier advice against it. Known as "Balen," the 36-year-old rapper-turned-politician is rarely seen without his distinctive rectangular shades.

Since assuming office in March, Shah has sported the glasses in various settings, from campaign rallies to official events, even in a formal portrait following his inauguration. Earlier this month, Speaker Dol Prasad Aryal had cautioned against the use of dark glasses in the chamber, citing public criticism that such eyewear is inappropriate for the national legislature.

However, Shah seems to have secured a waiver. According to the parliament secretariat's deputy spokesman Ananta Prasad Koirala, a report submitted to the secretariat citing medical reasons for Shah's need for sunglasses has been approved. Koirala stated that Shah would be permitted to wear the glasses in parliament if they are medically necessary in bright light.

Shah, who has maintained a relatively low profile since taking office, is anticipated to attend a parliament session today. The dark glasses, typically combined with a black wardrobe, have become a defining characteristic of Shah's public image since his successful mayoral campaign in Kathmandu in 2022. Their popularity has grown, with shops selling replicas of the glasses, dubbed "Balen sunglasses," to fans eager to emulate Shah's style.