In a frank conversation with Udayavani, Women and Child Welfare Minister and Udupi District In-charge Lakshmi Hebbalkar discussed various significant matters concerning the Karnataka Congress and its recent electoral outcomes.
Hebbalkar offered perspectives on the internal workings of the party, the factors contributing to electoral defeats, and the future prospects of the state government’s guarantee schemes.
When asked about the challenges faced by the Congress party in Belagavi despite the presence of prominent leaders such as herself, Public Works Minister Satish Jarkiholi, and former Deputy CM Laxman Savadi, Hebbalkar acknowledged the electoral losses. However, she emphasized the unity and backing that her son Mrunal received during the election campaign.
She attributed the defeat to larger political factors and emphasized that the reasons for the setback are still under scrutiny.
“Throughout the election process, Mrunal received unanimous support from start to finish. His candidacy faced no opposition, and wherever we conducted meetings and events, people gathered and supported us enthusiastically. While I am a minister, Satish Jarkiholi holds a ministerial position, and Laxman Savadi is a senior leader, alongside other experienced figures in the district. Despite this, we experienced defeat. We have gracefully accepted this outcome and continue to investigate the reasons behind our loss,” she explained.
Hebbalkar emphasized the unique characteristics of Assembly and Lok Sabha elections, noting that various factors shape voter preferences in each. She pointed out the BJP’s successful utilization of local issues in Hubli and the significant influence of Hindutva politics, particularly in border regions such as Belagavi.
“In my view, the BJP capitalized on the Neha Hiremath case effectively in Hubli. As a border district, issues surrounding Hindutva and Marathi could have played a role in shaping the outcomes. There was a tilt towards Hindutva. I have consistently avoided politics centered on Hindu, Muslim, or other community divisions and have always sought to be inclusive. Even BJP leaders were surprised by the victory. It appeared that MES and BJP aligned closely,” she elaborated.
Despite the surprise and dismay within the party, Hebbalkar underscored the significance of analyzing mistakes and progressing forward.
“We will assess the shortcomings and rectify any errors. The outcomes have deeply affected everyone and left everyone stunned. We won’t hold individuals accountable for these mistakes,” she added.
Hebbalkar addressed questions regarding national leadership and stood by Rahul Gandhi, portraying him as a dedicated politician with potential for future leadership. She expressed optimism about Karnataka Congress’ capability to regain power, highlighting its robust leadership and effective execution of guarantee schemes.
Hebbalkar asserted that while Congress faced setbacks in the Lok Sabha elections, she believes the party would win the Karnataka Assembly elections if held presently. She highlighted the distinction in voter preferences between Assembly and Lok Sabha elections. Hebbalkar emphasized Karnataka’s strong leadership and effective guarantee programs, clarifying that this doesn’t imply a lack of leadership at the national level. She noted the changed circumstances compared to a decade ago and expressed confidence in Rahul Gandhi’s reputation as a committed politician and a potential future leader.
Hebbalkar staunchly defended the state’s guarantee schemes, highlighting their successful implementation and broad impact. She pointed out that out of 1.52 crore families in Karnataka, the Gruhalakshmi scheme was aimed at reaching 1.30 crore families, of which 1.22 crore families, or 90% of the target, have benefited. Hebbalkar emphasized the challenges in effectively executing such large-scale initiatives despite their ambitious designs. She expressed pride in the successful implementation of all five guarantee schemes, underscoring their importance.
Speaking as the district in-charge minister for Udupi, Hebbalkar praised Jayaprakash Hegde’s political acumen while acknowledging Congress’s electoral loss in the district. She reiterated that 99% of the population is benefiting from the guarantee schemes, emphasizing the need to bolster public confidence.
Hebbalkar dismissed internal party concerns regarding the schemes’ electoral impact, stressing the importance of continuing these initiatives to maintain public trust. She highlighted the commitment of the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister to uphold these promises regardless of electoral outcomes, noting the absence of opposition from fellow ministers.
Hebbalkar responded to BJP’s accusations regarding the state’s guarantee schemes, attributing the state treasury’s depletion to inconsistent policies of the previous government rather than the guarantees themselves. She emphasized that the recent increases in petrol and diesel prices are not a result of the guarantee schemes but a natural progression, unrelated to sudden developments.
Hebbalkar clarified that Karnataka’s fuel prices remain lower compared to several BJP-governed states despite recent hikes. She criticized the BJP for the significant rise in diesel prices from ₹54 to over ₹100 and petrol from ₹62, noting that this occurred despite lower global crude oil prices. She highlighted that fuel prices in Maharashtra, governed by the BJP, are ₹9 higher than in Karnataka, and similarly higher in other BJP-ruled states like Delhi, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Puducherry.
She further criticized the BJP’s governance over the past four years, accusing them of allowing unchecked increases in fuel prices without restraint.
Hebbalkar declined to comment on the necessity of having three Deputy Chief Ministers while D.K. Shivakumar serves as both KPCC President and Deputy CM, indicating that such matters are determined by the party’s central leadership.
“It wouldn’t be suitable for me to express an opinion on the establishment of the Deputy CM position. Ministers Satish Jarkiholi and K.N. Rajanna may have addressed this issue. Ultimately, it’s a decision for the high command. They decide on the Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Ministers, and the number of Deputy CMs,” she explained.
Hebbalkar minimized the reported conflict between Satish Jarkiholi and Laxman Savadi, emphasizing her optimism that any disagreements between them could be settled through discussions. She urged party leaders to approach conflicts constructively for the overall benefit of the party.
“Both Savadi and Jarkiholi are senior leaders within our party. It’s unclear whether there is any discord between them. If there are any issues, they should come together and find a resolution. That’s my perspective, and I hope they view it as a sincere request. Dialogue is always preferable for resolving issues,” she stated.
