Nepal floods: Mallikarjun Kharge seeks Centre’s intervention for victims, dismisses State cabinet reshuffle talk

Congress president and Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge speaking to mediapersons in Kalaburagi Airport. | Photo Credit: ARUN KULKARNI Expressing deep anguish over the severe flooding and flash floods in Nepal, All India Congress Committee (AICC) President and Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge on Thursday (August 27, 2026) urged the Union Government to step in immediately to assist stranded tourists and pilgrims from India, including those from Karnataka.Speaking to media representatives at the Kalaburagi Airport, the veteran leader said that he would write a formal letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking his intervention for comprehensive compensation and assistance measures for affected families.Mr. Kharge noted that the catastrophic deluge in Nepal has affected numerous citizens from across the country, with hundreds caught in the deluge, several lives lost, and many reported missing. He extended his heartfelt condolences to the families of those who died in the natural calamity. Emphasising the close bilateral relations between the two nations, Mr. Kharge urged the Indian government to extend substantial relief aid to Nepal to support search, rescue, and rehabilitation efforts alongside the foreign administration.No cabinet rejigResponding to the queries around political developments in the State, Mr. Kharge firmly dismissed widespread speculation regarding an imminent cabinet reshuffle or organisational changes in the Karnataka government. He clarified that decisions concerning ministerial appointments, portfolio reallocations, or cabinet changes fall strictly under the purview of the party’s central leadership.“Any inclusion to or removal from the cabinet will have to be done with my consultation. I have received no proposal on the matter,” he said. Published - August 27, 2026 04:04 pm IST