Former Karnataka Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar expressed confidence that Belagavi district might secure two more berths in the State Cabinet due to its size and the strong electoral performance of the Congress party. Hebbalkar highlighted that Belagavi, being one of the largest districts in Karnataka, deserves increased representation in the Cabinet, with 11 Congress MLAs elected from the district in the recent Assembly polls.
When questioned about her potential Cabinet induction, Hebbalkar chose not to comment directly and suggested directing the inquiry to Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, seen as her political mentor. She defended the Gruha Lakshmi scheme, which she supervised as the Minister for Women and Child Development in the previous state government, emphasizing its goal of enhancing women’s financial independence and its positive reception.
Hebbalkar alleged that despite criticism and accusations of misuse by the BJP and NDA amounting to Rs 5,000 crore, the Gruha Lakshmi scheme garnered praise from Central agencies for empowering women. She claimed that the Karnataka model had inspired similar welfare programs nationwide and accused the Opposition of undermining a successful initiative. Meanwhile, CM Shivakumar, Deputy CM G. Parameshwara, and other Cabinet members visited Belagavi to review the flood situation amid heavy rainfall in neighboring regions.
Minister for Public Works Satish Jarkiholi and Congress leaders welcomed the officials upon their arrival. Senior Congress MLA Ashok Pattan, representing the Ramdurg Assembly constituency in Belagavi, also expressed optimism about Cabinet inclusion. He noted his close ties with former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and highlighted Chief Minister Shivakumar’s association with Siddaramaiah as well. Despite over a month since Shivakumar took office, the State Cabinet operates with only 14 ministers, including the Chief Minister.
Party sources revealed that the Congress high command and Shivakumar are proceeding cautiously with the Cabinet expansion to avoid disappointing senior leaders and aspirants. The delay in filling the remaining 20 ministerial positions has drawn criticism from the Opposition for the government’s slow progress.
