President sworn-in at special ceremony

Kathmandu, Jul 23 (UNI) Newly-elected Nepalese President Ram Baran Yadav has been sworn in at a special ceremony held at the President Office -- Shital Niwas -- this afternoon.

Chief Justice Kedar Giri administered the oath of office and secrecy to the President. This is the first time in the history of Nepal that a head of the state has been elected from the commoner.

Feudal kings used to be the head of the state in the past.

Dr Yadav was taken in a chariot with state honour from his rented house in Bagdol, Lalitpur to Shital Niwas, Maharajgunj.

Traffic was halted for some time when the President was driven for the swearing in ceremony.

Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala, Ambassadors, leaders of various political parties and distinguished personalities were present on the occasion.

Dr Yadav was elected the first President of Nepal, defeating Maoists' nominee Ram Raja Prasad Singh.

Nepalese army presented guard of honour to the President after the swearing in ceremony.

A large number of people could be seen on the roads leading to the President Office from his residence in Lalitpur.

After he was sworn in, Dr Yadav administered the oath of office and secrecy to Vice-President Paramanand Jha at the same function.

Mr Jha spoke in Maithili, his mother tongue while Dr Yadav took oath in Nepali language.

Both the President and Vice-President are from Terai, bordering with India.

Mr Jha was also given state honour and taken from his residence to the swearing in ceremony.

UNI XC SKB AS1656