Udupi: Women and Child Development Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar has firmly defended the 5% hike in minority reservation under the central housing scheme, stating that the state government merely approved the Centre’s directive. She criticized BJP leaders for needlessly politicizing the issue, saying they are “desperately searching for controversy.”
Speaking to the media on Friday, Hebbalkar accused the BJP of lacking relevant issues to debate. “They initially dismissed our guarantee schemes, predicted our downfall despite 136 seats, and now they’re fixated on reservation figures,” she said.
Addressing the NSUI’s objections to Hindutva speaker Chakravarthy Sulibele’s upcoming lecture in Kundapura, Hebbalkar didn’t hold back. “Sulibele is the king of lies. He twists sacred texts and manipulates facts — the people of Karnataka are well aware of this,” she said. While acknowledging his freedom of movement and speech, the minister warned him against promoting hate or misinformation.
She emphasized that the Congress party has always safeguarded constitutional freedoms, and does not require lectures on national values from people like Sulibele.
Responding to BJP MLAs who criticized her ministry, she remarked, “They provoke communal tension while pretending to oppose it — their dual approach reveals their true mindset.”
On local governance, Hebbalkar assured the public that Udupi district is fully prepared to tackle heavy monsoon rainfall. Precautionary instructions have been issued to all departments.
The minister also laid the foundation stone for a new vaccine storage facility at Udupi District Hospital, in the presence of officials and local leaders.