Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar expresses shock over Shettar’s sudden political shift

Team Udayavani, Jan 26, 2024, 1:26 PM IST

Women and Child Development Minister Lakshmi Hebbalkar, who is also the Udupi District In-charge Minister, expressed her shock at former Chief Minister Jagdish Shettar’s decision to join the BJP party again.

Jagdish Shettar, who had been granted a significant position by the Congress party despite a 35,000-vote loss in the last Vidhan Sabha elections, has returned to the BJP.

Addressing presspersons after the 75th Republic Day function at Mahatma Gandhi Maidan in Ajjarkad on Friday, Minister Hebbalkar mentioned the dedicated efforts of local Congress workers who had tirelessly supported Shettar. However, she admitted to being unaware of the reasons behind Shettar’s departure from the Congress and called on him to explain.

Contrary to Shettar’s move, Belagavi district MLA Laxman Savadi affirmed his commitment to the Congress party, citing concerns about his self-respect in the BJP as the reason for joining the Congress. Minister Hebbalkar unequivocally stated that Savadi will remain with the party.

Minister Lakshmi Hebbalkar further credited the government’s guarantee schemes for ensuring the well-being of the common people. Notably, she highlighted the success of the Shakti Yojana, benefiting 100 crore women so far.

The minister announced plans to further study the guarantee scheme to promote the empowerment of women in the coming days.

Looking ahead to the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, Minister Hebbalkar disclosed that suitable candidates will be selected, with discussions on the matter scheduled to take place February .