Udupi: CM to chair meeting on Ballari maternal deaths, says Hebbalkar 

Team Udayavani, Nov 30, 2024, 2:36 PM IST

In the wake of the recent maternal deaths in Ballari, Minister of Women and Child Development Laxmi Hebbalkar informed that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has called for a meeting at 4 pm on Saturday, November 30 to address the issue.

Addressing the media, she stated that she and Dinesh Gundu Rao have been closely monitoring the situation. “Not visiting the site does not mean we are taking this lightly. The government and ministers have a great responsibility,” she affirmed.

The meeting, chaired by the CM, will address the recent deaths of five women at Ballari government hospitals, including BIMS, over 15 days. Hebbalkar assured that swift action would be taken against those found responsible.

No Cabinet Expansion Talks

Commenting on speculations regarding cabinet expansion, the minister clarified, “There are no discussions within the Congress about cabinet reshuffling. The talks exist only in the media. Whether it’s true or false, the media should clarify.” She dismissed rumors about new inductions or removals from the cabinet.

Naxal Encounter Case

Regarding the Vikram Gowda encounter, Hebbalkar stated that police acted within legal frameworks during the combing operation. “Vikram Gowda possessed weapons and even fired once. If there had been no retaliation, the lives of policemen would have been lost. The state and central governments are committed to uprooting Naxalism entirely,” she said, adding that the government is ready to provide further clarification if there were any doubts.

The state and central governments are committed to uprooting Naxalism entirely,” she said, adding that the government is ready to provide further clarification if required. Calls for a judicial inquiry are being considered, and the Chief Minister will hold a discussion with the Home Minister about this.

No Factionalism in Congress

Responding to claims of factionalism within Congress, Hebbalkar dismissed the allegations as baseless. “There are no divisions in Congress. Factionalism is visible only in BJP, which even the media highlights daily. The recent by-poll results themselves are proof of our unity,” she said.