Karnataka flood death toll at 16; Talacauvery chief priest's body recovered
Bengaluru: Sixteen people have died so far while four are missing in flood and landslide ravaged Karnataka, which has been witnessing torrential rains since the beginning of this month.
Several parts of Malnad, coastal and interior Karnataka have been battered by rains, affecting lives and property. According to official data, 16 people in 12 affected districts have lost their lives so far since August 1, while four are missing.
A total of 108 relief camps have been opened in these districts, where 3,244 people are taking shelter. Twenty eight animals have perished in the floods.
While 85 houses have been completely damaged, 3,080 have suffered partial damage, the data revealed. Also, agriculture crops in about 33,477 hectares and horticulture crops in over 34,791 hectares have been affected.
In Kodagu, the body of Talacauvery chief priest Narayan Achar was recovered on Tuesday, about 2 km away from the spot of the landslide on August 5 night, in which his house was swept away.
NDRF and authorities had been searching for five people, including Achar, who had gone missing due to massive landslides at Bramhagiri hills.
The body was brought to Bhagamandala, where post-mortem was conducted and later cremated in his private property.
Achar's elder brother's body was recovered on August 8.
Kodagu district in-charge Minister V Somanna met Achar's daughters who have come from Australia and later said that the search for three others, including the priest's wife and two assistants, would resume tomorrow.
Meanwhile, there are reports of a respite in rains in many places, especially in north interior parts, while showers are continuing at some places in coastal and Malnad regions.
While water levels have receded slightly in some places, several parts of Uttara Kannada and Belagavi, among others continue to be inundated, sources said.
The Met Department forecast for the next 24 hours has said heavy rainfall is likely to occur at isolated places over coastal Karnataka and ghat areas of south interior Karnataka.
The Karnataka government on Monday said it has requested the centre to provide an additional special assistance of Rs 4,000 crore to handle the flood situation in the state.
As per the initial assessment the government has estimated the loss to the tune of Rs 4,000 crore.
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Leadership issue: Everyone will welcome if Kharge becomes K'taka CM, says Parameshwara
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara on Wednesday said everyone in the ruling Congress party will welcome if AICC chief Mallikarjun Kharge, a senior politician with a lot of experience, becomes the chief minister of the state.
He also asserted that fulfilling the promise of "good governance" made to the people of the state was important, amid the ongoing internal politics and confusion within the party regarding the chief minister change issue.
The statements have come amid speculation within the party and political circles about a possible decision on leadership change and cabinet reshuffle after May 4, once the results for Assembly elections in four states and one union territory, along with bypolls to two Assembly segments in Karnataka, are announced.
"If he (Kharge) becomes (the CM) we will be very happy, because he is a senior politician with a lot of experience. If he becomes CM, we will all welcome it," Parameshwara told reporters in response to a question whether Kharge himself has a desire to become the CM.
When asked why Kharge, who is from Karnataka, has not been decisive in resolving the state's leadership issue and whether he was postponing the issue because he wants a Dalit to become the CM, the home minister said, "We don't have much information on the CM change matter appearing in the media, at least I'm not aware of it. So it is not right to speak on it."
The Congress high command will decide whatever they have to, as they are aware of everything in the state. "We are fortunate to have Kharge, who is from the state, as the AICC president," he said.
Kharge is highly experienced and he is aware of everything about the state's politics as he has personally experienced it. "He knows everything and there is no need for us to tell him. I will not say much," he added.
The leadership tussle within the ruling party has intensified amid speculation about a possible change of chief minister after the Congress government completed the halfway mark of its five-year term on November 20, 2025. The speculation has been fuelled by the reported "power-sharing" arrangement between CM Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM Shivakumar at the time of government formation in 2023.
Regarding senior Congress MLA K N Rajanna's statement demanding a "Dalit CM", Parameshwara himself a senior Dalit leader in the party, said, "Let's not speak about it. I don't want to unnecessarily get into that. Without knowing things, let's not comment on them."
Parameshwara downplayed the ministers' visit to Delhi, stating that it is a common thing, mostly concerning official matters. "Whenever we go to Delhi, we will also visit the AICC office and meet our national leaders," he said.
PWD Minister Satish Jarkiholi and Social Welfare Minister H C Mahadevappa on Monday met Kharge and general secretary (in charge of Karnataka) Randeep Surjewala in New Delhi and reportedly requested them to address the leadership issue. Both Jarkiholi and Mahadevappa are considered close to Siddaramaiah.
On the expectation that the Congress high command will put an end to confusion on the leadership issue by May 15, the home minister said, "More than anything, we have promised the people of the state that we will give good governance. Fulfilling that is important. Internal politics and confusions will always be there."
MLAs and leaders who want Shivakumar to be elevated as CM have recently claimed they expect some "sweet news" by May 15, which is their leader's birthday.
Regarding plans to hold the AHINDA convention in Hubballi to mark 25 years of the AHINDA movement, the home minister said, the movement was aimed at the welfare of its communities and the convention has to happen to resolve the issues they face.
AHINDA (Kannada acronym for minorities, backward classes, and Dalits) is considered as the strong support base of Siddaramaiah and also the Congress party.
