Election Commission officials are expected to initiate proceedings against Women and Child Welfare Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar for reportedly planning a meeting with anganwadi workers at a local community hall on Wednesday without prior permission. The officials conducted a raid, collected evidence, and promptly halted the meeting due to the violation of the model code of conduct.
Belgaum Deputy Commissioner Nitesh Patil, who also serves as the returning officer, stated that organizers of the meeting will face legal action once approval is obtained from the court. The gathering, organized by Hebbalkar at Samuday Bhawan in the Belgaum North constituency on Wednesday, was attended by hundreds of anganwadi workers before officials intervened and halted the event.
Patil informed TNIE that the meeting arrangements were completed without obtaining permission from the authorities. “Our officers reached the spot, stopped the meeting and collected evidence. It is a violation of model code of conduct and a case will be booked after seeking court’s permission,’’ he said.
Responding to the raid, Hebbalkar said, “I did not organise any meeting. Anganwadi workers are facing immense work pressure and now, they have been asked to take the responsibilities of booth level officers (BLOs) too. They workers came to meet me to discuss their problems working as BLOs. I convinced them to discharge their duties.’’
Inquired about the complaint lodged with the Election Commission regarding her alleged violation of the model code by conducting the meeting she said, “Let them (BJP) file complaints. It is a common issue during elections. Being in a responsible position, I respect the law of the country. It is my fifth election and I know how to face elections.”
