The state government is not targeting anyone: Lakshmi Hebbalkar

District in-charge minister Lakshmi Hebbalkar on Sunday asserted that the state government is not targeting any individual and emphasized that public discourse should remain issue-based and not harm communal harmony.

Speaking to the media, the minister stated, “Those who sow seeds of hatred will face action. If one listens to the previous speeches of Hindu Jagarana Vedike’s Srikant Shetty, their true intentions become clear.”

Centre Responsible for Delay in GST Funds: Minister

Responding to the BJP’s planned protest on June 23, Hebbalkar said, “Protests have their importance. But they should question the Union government for delays in GST compensation and pending MGNREGA funds. Why not protest against the injustice in developmental allocations or against their own underperforming MPs?”

She further criticized BJP leaders, claiming they were using protests to distract the public and shift blame onto Congress. “People are voicing their discontent with BJP leaders themselves,” she added.

Responding strongly to BJP MLA Sunil Kumar’s remarks, she said, “I don’t need moral lessons from him. Let him first understand what ‘moral authority’ means. He considers himself wise and sees others as fools. Should I comment on everything he says?”

She also addressed allegations regarding her department: “There are 69,000 anganwadi buildings in the state, of which 12,000 are on rent. If you want to know about my department, come and I’ll share all the details.”

On Tulu Language Ban Allegations: No Such Order, Says ZP CEO

Amid public uproar over claims that Tulu was banned in gram sabha meetings, the Dakshina Kannada Zilla Panchayat CEO’s office issued a clarification stating that no such ban, directive, or restriction had been issued.

The CEO’s office had responded to a request that sought priority be given to Kannada in gram panchayat meetings over Tulu, stating: “Examine as per rules and take necessary action.” This wording sparked protests, with several organizations submitting a formal petition to the Zilla Panchayat on Saturday.

Minister Hebbalkar responded to the controversy by saying she would speak to the CEO of the district and that local languages like Tulu must be viewed with sensitivity. “Senior leaders like D.V. Sadananda Gowda and MP Kota Srinivas Poojary have already expressed their disagreement. Their inputs will be considered,” she said.