Bengaluru/New Delhi, Aug 27: With one Cabinet berth still vacant in Karnataka, hectic lobbying has intensified within the ruling Congress, with senior leaders pushing for representation based on caste, region, community and gender equations.

Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has travelled to Delhi on Thursday and is expected to meet Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to discuss the Cabinet’s composition, including the vacant berth and the possibility of Minister for Planning and Statistics, B. Nagendra, resigning amid the ongoing controversy over the alleged tribal welfare irregularities case.

CM Shivakumar has sought an appointment with Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, at noon. The discussions are also expected to involve AICC General Secretary (Organisation) K.C. Venugopal and Karnataka Congress in-charge Randeep Singh Surjewala.

Senior MLA Basavaraj Shivannavar is among the prominent names being backed by former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. Shivannavar, a senior Congress leader, is being considered for a Cabinet berth as part of efforts to maintain a balance in representation.

The name of four-time Bengaluru MLA M. Krishnappa is also being discussed, while Shivakumar is understood to be considering several other names.

The government is also under pressure to provide representation to a woman leader. MLA Annapoorna Tukaram and MLA Kampli Ganesh are among the names being considered in the current discussions.

The issue of representation to the Scheduled Tribe (ST) community could gain further significance if Nagendra resigns. The BJP and JD(S) have been conducting continuous protests demanding his resignation, alleging his involvement in the alleged tribal welfare case.

Nagendra has maintained that he is being targeted and has indicated his willingness to step down if directed by the party high command.

The Congress had earlier announced the name of senior leader and MLC Gayathri Shantegowda in the list of ministers, but she was later not called for the swearing-in ceremony. Her exclusion has continued to fuel uncertainty over the Cabinet’s final composition.

Sources said Siddaramaiah is unhappy over what he considers disproportionate representation to Vokkaliga and Lingayat leaders and inadequate representation to minorities.

The former Chief Minister is understood to have conveyed his preference to the party high command for the induction of Basavaraj Shivannavar.

Despite the additional time given to Shivakumar to settle the Cabinet composition, questions over balance and representation remain.

Meanwhile, discussions are also reportedly underway over the possible resignation of some ministers, raising hopes among several senior Congress leaders that they could get an opportunity to enter the Cabinet.

PWD Minister Satish Jarkiholi and Minister Nagendra have also reached Delhi amid the latest developments.

Sources said Nagendra has carried files and documents related to the tribal welfare case. He is also understood to have brought details concerning cases involving BJP MLA Gali Janardhana Reddy and former minister B. Sriramulu.

According to Congress sources, Nagendra could resign if the party high command directs him to do so.

Sources further said that if the high command gives its approval, the Congress is also considering organising a counter-protest march to respond to the BJP’s agitation demanding Nagendra’s resignation.

The final decision on the Cabinet vacancy, Nagendra’s future and the broader reshuffle is expected to be taken after discussions with the Congress central leadership in Delhi.

New Delhi, Aug 27: Leaders across party lines on Thursday expressed grief and concern over the devastating flash floods in Nepal, describing the tragedy as deeply saddening and painful while stressing the need for relief, rescue efforts and continued vigilance in neighbouring Indian states.

The reactions came as the bodies of 162 people swept away by a massive flash flood in Nepal’s Bhote Koshi River had been recovered as of Thursday morning. The disaster has caused widespread devastation, with several people still reported missing and extensive damage inflicted on property and infrastructure.

Speaking to media, Bihar Minister Ram Kripal Yadav said the tragedy in Nepal was extremely distressing and had resulted in significant loss of lives and property.

“The tragedy in Nepal is very saddening. There was a sudden flood and Nepal has been devastated. Indians are also missing. Both lives and property have been lost. It is deeply saddening and a matter of great concern. Our respected Prime Minister Narendra Modi has spoken to the Prime Minister of Nepal and assured him of all possible support,” he said.

BJP Bihar President Sanjay Saraogi termed the situation a terrible disaster, saying heavy rains and flooding had caused severe destruction.

“There has been a terrible disaster in Nepal. Dams have been destroyed and heavy rains have caused severe damage. More than 1,000 people are still missing in Nepal. Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to the Prime Minister of Nepal and assured the people of Nepal that India would provide all possible assistance,” he said.

Bihar Assembly Leader of Opposition Tejashwi Yadav described the incident as extremely painful and called for greater vigilance in Bihar in view of possible repercussions on river systems.

“We saw the videos yesterday showing the way the floodwaters rose and people were running for safety. We feel the Bihar government needs to keep a closer watch on the situation. Everyone needs to remain alert. There is also concern that the Gandak River could be affected in Bihar,” he said.

Shiv Sena spokesperson Shaina NC offered condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and raised concerns about tourists from Maharashtra stranded in Nepal.

“First of all, my condolences to every person who lost their life in these flash floods. Seven tourists from Maharashtra are also stranded there. Our respected leader Eknath Shinde and the Shiv Sena are in touch with the authorities to ensure that they return safely. As far as the Government of India is concerned, we have always maintained a friendly relationship with and extended support to Nepal,” she said.

Rajasthan Deputy Chief Minister, Prem Chand Bairwa, said every possible effort should be made to provide relief and assistance to the affected families.

Bihar Minister Ratnesh Sada also expressed grief over the devastation, saying that governments must respond with compassion whenever such disasters strike.

“The Chief Minister is also concerned. Wherever there is a disaster, we must respond with compassion in the interest of humanity. I am saddened by the devastation caused by the floods in Nepal and the loss of life,” he said.

JD(U) National Working President and MP, Sanjay Kumar Jha, said the reduced water flow had eased immediate pressure but stressed the importance of remaining alert. He also called for coordinated flood management between India and Nepal.

“The water flow has reduced significantly, so there is not much pressure. However, it is a matter of staying alert. The biggest message from this is that India and Nepal should plan for joint flood management,” he said.

JD(U) President Umesh Singh Kushwaha said, “We are monitoring the situation continuously. Every 24 hours, we are monitoring the dams, including the old dams, and the waterways. Therefore, common people do not need to worry too much. We are keeping a close watch on the situation. When the water level rises, we will know.”

JD(U) National General Secretary, Shyam Rajak, called the incident very worrying and said Prime Minister Modi had assured Nepal of India’s support.

Shyam Rajak said, “The incident is very worrying. It is a natural disaster. Our Prime Minister has spoken at length with the Prime Minister of Nepal and assured him that the Government of India will stand by the people of Nepal.”

DMK spokesperson T.K.S. Elangovan also expressed sympathy with those affected, saying that while natural calamities could not be stopped, those caught in such tragedies deserved support and compassion.

Ahmedabad, Aug 27: Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel returned to Ahmedabad on Thursday after completing a nine-day visit to the United States and Canada aimed at attracting global investment and promoting the 2027 Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit, saying companies across key sectors had shown interest in investing in the state.

Patel was welcomed at Ahmedabad airport by Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi and senior state government officials following his visit from August 17 to 26.

The overseas outreach focussed on investors, technology leaders, entrepreneurs and the Gujarati diaspora in San Francisco, Washington, DC, New York and Toronto.

Speaking to reporters after his return, Patel said the state government’s objective was to ensure that a larger share of investment coming into India was directed towards Gujarat.

“We have witnessed the impact of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s global relationships and the trust he enjoys during this visit. Because of the complete trust people have in the Prime Minister, investors are keen to make greater investments across various sectors,” he said.

Patel said the delegation had held meetings with major companies and investors in semiconductors, artificial intelligence, data centres and manufacturing, as well as financial companies in connection with GIFT City.

He said the response to the meetings had been encouraging. “Many companies are enthusiastic about investing in Gujarat. Very good investment will come to Gujarat,” he said.

The visit was undertaken as part of Gujarat’s preparations for the 11th Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit, which is scheduled to be held from January 10 to 12, 2027.

During the overseas programme, global investors, technology leaders and innovators were invited to participate in investment, collaboration and partnership opportunities at the summit.

The delegation also engaged with members of the Gujarati diaspora. In Canada, Patel met entrepreneurs and business representatives and invited the community to invest in Gujarat and participate in the forthcoming summit.

The delegation was led by Patel and Chief Secretary M.K. Das. It included Additional Chief Secretary of Finance Department, T. Natarajan; Additional Chief Secretary of Industries and Mines Department, Mamta Verma; Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Sanjeev Kumar; and Additional Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Dr Vikrant Pandey.

Representatives of Gujarat’s industrial and business community also accompanied the delegation.

The meetings were held with investors, technology leaders, young entrepreneurs, innovators and members of the Gujarati diaspora across the three US cities and Toronto.

Discussions covered investment opportunities and partnerships in emerging technologies and industrial sectors, with the state also seeking participation from international companies in the 2027 summit.

After the delegation returned to Gujarat, senior officials gathered at Ahmedabad airport to welcome Patel, Das and other members of the delegation.