Latest news with #LaxmiHebbalkar
Time of India
5 hours ago
- Politics
- Time of India
No need to learn moral lessons from MLA Sunil Kumar: Min
Udupi: Women and child development minister and Udupi district minister Laxmi Hebbalkar said, "There is no need to learn moral lessons from MLA . What does moral authority even mean? Let him first understand morality before lecturing others." Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The minister was responding to Sunil Kumar's allegation that Hebbalkar lacked moral right to speak on activist Chakravarthy Sulibele. She questioned, "What does he mean by saying the district minister lacks moral right? Sunil Kumar speaks well but seems to believe he alone holds all the wisdom and others are fools," she said. On a question by Sunil Kumar about the number of anganwadi centres under her department, the minister responded, "There are around 69,000 anganwadi buildings in the state, of which about 12,000 are rented. Do I need to speak everything about Sunil Kumar? You are asking about my department? Come, I will give you all the details." Further, she said, "I know exactly how many anganwadis there are in the state, how many anganwadi workers are there, how many are functioning from rented buildings, how many are govt-owned, how many are in rural areas, how many in towns, and how many are in poor condition. I even know how many are in your (Sunil Kumar's) constituency." "Protest is a constitutional right. If the opposition has nothing else to do, let them protest. The central govt is being unfair when it comes to development. Let them protest against the injustice by the central govt. NREGA funds were not released. Can they protest about that? The BJP is trying to mislead the public and are protesting to cover up internal party conflicts. This is all BJP's drama. Even BJP workers are tired. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Wherever you go, they express dissatisfaction with their leaders. These protests are just a distraction tactic to blame the Congress," she alleged. Responding to allegations that Hindutva activists were being targeted and externed, and in particular, targeting Hindutva activist Srikanth Shetty, the minister said, "We are not targeting any intellectual or orator. It is important to protect communal harmony in society. No attempt should be made to divide the society. One must review Srikant Shetty's past speeches and the truth will be out," she said.
Time of India
5 hours ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Title deeds distributed in Byndoor
Udupi: The Congress-led state govt is working with dedication by formulating programmes that focus on the welfare of common citizens, said women and child development minister and Udupi district minister Laxmi Hebbalkar. She was speaking at a programme organised in Byndoor assembly constituency to distribute title deeds under 94C to eligible beneficiaries and provide various govt benefits. She assured complete support for the district's development and called for collective efforts to develop the constituency. The minister praised the cooperation between former MLA Gopal Poojary and current MLA Gururaj Gantihole, stating that both are working together for the development of the constituency without political bias. "This is the kind of commitment politicians should have," she said. "Udupi is a district of intellectuals. Officials often hesitate before taking up postings here. I feel blessed to be given charge of Udupi district. It is as if Lord Krishna has showered his blessings on me," she said. Referring to the Indira Canteen , she said it was launched with the aim of providing nutritious food at affordable prices to the poor. Inaugurating the canteen, she said, "The govt is ensuring that people can fill their stomachs with just Rs 5 for breakfast and Rs 10 for lunch." by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Buy Brass Laxmi Ji Idol For Wealth, Peace & Happiness Luxeartisanship Shop Now Undo She recalled that during Siddaramaiah's previous tenure, the govt implemented schemes like regularising unauthorised land and launching people-centric programmes. "We made the most of the opportunities we got. Politics is not a shortcut; serving people is akin to serving God. We are setting aside personal agendas to fulfil our responsibilities as public representatives," she said. Marking 50 years since the launch of anganwadi centres, which were started by Indira Gandhi, she announced a large-scale celebration to be held on October 2. Meanwhile, after inaugurating the canteen, the minister noticed students standing in line to greet her while she was leaving. She stepped out of her vehicle, invited them into the canteen, and instructed the staff to serve them food. When some students approached her for a selfie, she gently led them by the hand into the canteen and insisted they eat first. MLA Gururaj Shetty Gantihole, MLC Manjunath Bhandary, former MLA Gopal Poojary, District Guarantee Schemes Implementation Committee chairman Ashok Kodavoor and deputy commissioner Swaroopa TK were present.
Time of India
15 hours ago
- Politics
- Time of India
No need for moral lessons from MLA Sunil Kumar, says Karnataka minister Laxmi Hebbalkar; defends anganwadi record, blames BJP for distraction protests
Karnataka minister Laxmi Hebbalkar UDUPI: Women and Child Development minister and Udupi District minister Laxmi Hebbalkar on Friday dismissed criticisms made by MLA Sunil Kumar , stating that he lacks the moral authority to lecture others. 'There is no need to learn moral lessons from MLA Sunil Kumar. What does moral authority even mean? Let him first understand morality before lecturing others," said Laxmi Hebbalkar. The minister was responding to Sunil Kumar's allegation that Hebbalkar lacked moral rights to speak on activist Chakravarthy Sulibele. She questioned, 'What does he mean by saying the district minister lacks moral rights? Sunil Kumar speaks well but seems to believe he alone holds all the wisdom and others are fools,' she said. When asked about the number of Anganwadi centres under her department, the Minister responded, 'There are around 69,000 Anganwadi buildings in the state, of which about 12,000 are rented. Do I need to speak everything about Sunil Kumar? You are asking about my department? Come, I will give you all the details,' she said. She added, 'I know exactly how many Anganwadis there are in the state, how many Anganwadi workers are there, how many are functioning from rented buildings, how many are govt-owned, how many are in rural areas, how many in towns, and how many are in poor condition. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 2025 Top Trending Local Enterprise Accounting Software [Click Here] Accounting ERP Click Here Undo I even know how many are in your (Sunil Kumar's) constituency.' Protest is a Constitutional Right 'Protest is a constitutional right. If the opposition has nothing else to do, let them protest. The central govt is being unfair when it comes to development. Let them protest against the injustice by the central govt. NREGA funds were not released. Can they protest about that? The BJP is trying to mislead the public and are protesting to cover up internal party conflicts. This is all BJP's drama. Even BJP workers are tired. Wherever you go, they express dissatisfaction with their leaders. These protests are just a distraction tactic to blame the Congress,' she alleged. Government Not Targeting Anyone On Hindu leaders being targeted and externed, particularly Hindu leader Srikanth Shetty, the Minister said, 'We are not targeting any intellectual or orator. It is important to protect communal harmony in society. No attempt should be made to divide the society. One must review Srikant Shetty's past speeches and the truth will be out,' she said.
Hans India
19 hours ago
- Politics
- Hans India
Udupi in-charge minister calls Hindu activist Sulibele a ‘liar'
Udupi district is witnessing a political row after district in-charge minister Laxmi Hebbalkar on Friday accused Hindu activist and author Chakravarthy Sulibele of spreading 'lies' and warned against attempts to disturb communal harmony during his upcoming public events. Hebbalkar, addressing reporters in Udupi, said, 'Udupi is a district of peace lovers. No one should be allowed to vitiate the peaceful atmosphere.' She added that while the Congress supports freedom of expression and constitutional values, it does not condone hate speech. Her remarks came a day after Kundapur police served Sulibele a notice ahead of his three-day lecture series at Mogaveera Bhavana in Kundapur from June 20 to 22. The event, organised by Yuva Brigade, is themed 'Let us rest only after making a unified greater India' (Akhand Bharat). Sulibele is scheduled to speak at 6 pm on all three days. The police advisory instructs Sulibele to restrict his speech to the announced topic and avoid political commentary. Organisers have also been directed to provide details of guests and ensure compliance with Supreme Court guidelines regarding public gatherings. The responsibility for maintaining peace has been placed on the organisers. The police action follows a memorandum submitted by local leaders of the National Students' Union of India (NSUI), who urged officials not to grant permission for the event. Reacting to the notice, Sulibele described it as an attempt to curtail his freedom of expression. In a statement, he said, 'Is there a new law in Karnataka banning people from speaking about politics? By that logic, I cannot refer to Nehru, Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi—or even Ghazni, Ghori and Aurangzeb.' He termed the development 'disturbing' and claimed it violated the constitutional right to free speech. Police have so far not indicated any formal restrictions on the event but reiterated that any deviation from approved topics or incitement to disharmony would invite legal action.
Time of India
a day ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Officials must work on the ground: Hebbalkar
Udupi: With the district experiencing more rainfall than usual, officials must work on the ground to ensure that the public does not face any inconvenience, said Laxmi Hebbalkar, minister of women and child development and Udupi district minister. Presiding over the quarterly KDP meeting on Friday, the minister said that Rs 4.5 crore was released to prevent sea erosion, and the work must be expedited. The minister instructed port department officials to identify areas affected by sea erosion from Hejmadi in Kaup taluk to Shiroor in Byndoor and submit a report to the govt. The maintenance of Malpe port should be done properly. CCTV should be installed, and security and cleanliness should be maintained, the minister directed port department officials. "Special attention should be given to tourism and sports development. The district should grow as a major tourism centre. It is a naturally beautiful place with religious sites, and it should attract more tourists. Unauthorised homestays should be curbed, and children under 18 should not be employed at tourist spots. Steps should be taken for the development of tourism and sports under the PPP model," the minister said. The company that supplied substandard seeds to farmers in the district should be blacklisted, and strict action should be taken. Horticulture department officials should ensure that govt schemes reach the people. Awareness should be raised about high-income generating fruits, she said. "In the coastal region of the state, fishing activities are more prevalent. However, only 25 houses are being approved under the housing scheme. Other districts are also being given 25 houses. Steps will be taken to resolve these issues," she said. The Varahi irrigation works were initiated five years ago, but compensation has not yet been provided, and crops have not been allowed to grow. This is causing a lot of trouble for farmers. Suitable compensation should be provided to farmers by the next meeting, the minister said. MLAs Yashpal Suvarna, Kiran Kumar Kodgi, Gururaj Gantihole, Gurme Suresh Shetty, MLCs Manjunath Bhandary, Dhananjay Sarji, deputy commissioner Swaroopa TK, zilla panchayat CEO Prateek Bayal, superintendent of police Hariram Shankar, DFO Ganapati, and other departmental officials were present at the meeting.
