Kharge Urges Aid for Nepal Floods
Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, urging immediate humanitarian aid for flood-hit
Congress president and Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging the government to provide humanitarian and relief assistance to flood-ravaged Nepal. He also called for intensified efforts to ensure the safety and evacuation of Indian nationals stranded there.
In his letter, dated August 28 but released on Saturday, August 29, 2026, Kharge said he was deeply concerned about the devastation. Recent media reports indicated the floods had claimed more than 600 lives and left thousands of people missing.
Appeal for Humanitarian Assistance
Kharge requested the Prime Minister ensure adequate humanitarian and relief assistance is provided to the affected people of Nepal. This should be done in coordination with the Government of Nepal. He highlighted that thousands of people were in urgent need of food, medicines, shelter and other essential assistance.
In a separate letter to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Kharge urged the government to consider extending "immediate and comprehensive" humanitarian and disaster-relief assistance. He underlined the deep and enduring ties between India and Nepal.
Rescue Efforts for Indian Nationals
Kharge raised specific concerns about Indian nationals and persons of Indian origin stranded in different parts of Nepal due to the floods. He urged the Centre to issue necessary directions to intensify rescue and evacuation efforts. Arrangements should be made for their safe and early return to India.
Referring to information from the Ministry of External Affairs, Kharge said around 320 Indian nationals remained uncontactable in Nepal. He called for immediate steps to provide all possible assistance to them.
Proposal for NDRF Deployment
The Congress leader suggested the deployment of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams should be considered. He stated this could be done wherever required and in coordination with the Nepal government to assist in rescue, evacuation and relief operations.
Kharge said the NDRF’s expertise and experience in responding to natural disasters could provide valuable support. This support would be crucial in saving lives and bringing urgent relief to affected communities. He urged the Home Ministry to treat the matter with "urgency and sensitivity".
The letters were released publicly on August 29, 2026, as reported by The Hindu.
