Credit of Savadatti temple development goes to HK Patil, not Jagadish Shettar: Min Hebbalkar
Belagavi: Women and child development minister Laxmi Hebbalkar asserted on Tuesday that the credit for planning and securing funds for the development of the historic Yellamma Temple in Savadatti rightfully belongs to tourism minister HK Patil, not to Belagavi MP and former chief minister Jagadish Shettar.
Addressing media persons at her residence in Belagavi, Hebbalkar criticised Shettar's recent claims. "Shettar was once the chief minister. Does he not understand basic procedure? Can someone simply write a letter after becoming an MP and expect hundreds of crores to be sanctioned? That's not how governance works," she said. Taking a sharp dig, she added, "If he truly had the capability, let him bring funds and develop other temples in the district.
"
Hebbalkar emphasised that HK Patil, whose family deity is the presiding goddess of Savadatti, took a personal and professional initiative in the temple's development. "He prepared a comprehensive plan, submitted it to the central govt, and worked tirelessly to ensure its approval. The credit should go entirely to him," she clarified.
Support Mahadayi Project
On the ongoing opposition to the Mahadayi drinking water project by environmental groups, Hebbalkar appealed for cooperation.
"This project has reached a decisive stage after years of struggle. It is crucial for drinking water access, for both people and livestock. I urge environmentalists not to obstruct it," she said.
When asked about allegations that the protests were backed by Goa, Hebbalkar responded, "I'm not aware of that and won't comment on matters I don't know."
No link between Mrinal Sugars and Hidkal water diversion
Responding to controversy surrounding the diversion of water from the Hidkal reservoir to the Dharwad industrial area, Hebbalkar categorically denied any involvement of her company, Mrinal Sugars.
"There's a deliberate attempt to blame me for every issue in Belagavi. I have no idea who is transporting water from Hidkal or why. Our sugar factory does not need this water. We have a stream nearby and sufficient borewells.
We are self-sufficient," she said.
She further clarified that the project has not come before the state cabinet. "We haven't approved it. Even the district minister, Satish Jarkiholi, has already clarified this.
I'll respond after discussing it with him," she added.
'Kamal Should apologise'
Commenting on actor Kamal Haasan's controversial remarks about the Kannada language, Hebbalkar said the issue could be resolved with a simple apology. "Kannadigas are large-hearted and forgiving. If Kamal Haasan apologises, this can be put to rest. As a senior public figure, he should not prolong the controversy unnecessarily," she stated.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Hindu
an hour ago
- The Hindu
Police detain Vatal Nagaraj for protesting against IPS officers' suspension, govt. handling of stampede
The Vidhana Soudha police on Tuesday detained Kannada activist Vatal Nagaraj after he, along with his supporters, marched to the Raj Bhavan protesting against the government's handling of the stampede case. Mr. Nagaraj walked to the Raj Bhavan along with his supporters but was stopped by the police and taken to the station from where he was released later. He demanded that the government increase the compensation for the victims to ₹5 crore, and condemned the government's decision to suspend police officials. 'The permission to celebrate both at the Vidhana Soudha and at the stadium was granted by the government. I want to ask them, before deciding on the celebrations, did you consult the senior police officers – no you didn't. You should be the one to take the responsibility for this,' Mr. Nagaraj said. The fact that the Police Commissioner was suspended for no fault of his was disrespectful, he alleged. 'The Home Minister won't resign and I won't ask for it. But by suspending an honest Police Commissioner, you have led to a drop in the morale of the State's police force. What about the role of the responsible IAS officers? I thought you [Siddaramaiah] instead of suspending the Police Commissioner, would remove at least three of your responsible Ministers. If you had done this, you would've been remembered in the history,' he said.
Hans India
3 hours ago
- Hans India
Two New Classrooms Inaugurated at Moodbidri Government School Under State Development Scheme
Moodbidri: In a boost to public education infrastructure, two newly constructed classrooms at the Government Upgraded Higher Primary School, Moodbidri Main, were inaugurated on Tuesday by Karnataka MLA Umanatha A. Kotian. The construction was funded under the State Development School Scheme (Vikas Shaale Yojane) for the year 2022–23, at a cost of ₹27.8 lakh. Addressing the gathering, Kotian emphasised that economic hardship should never deprive children of their right to education. 'There is no reason to look down upon government schools. Many who studied in these institutions have gone on to occupy prominent positions in society,' he said. He also called on parents to support and strengthen government schools in their communities. Speaking to teachers, Kotian urged them to provide quality education and instil strong values in students, helping raise their academic and moral standards. M. Bahubali Prasad, president of the MCS Society and a long-time supporter of the school, requested the MLA to facilitate the construction of three additional classrooms. He noted that the Moodbidri Main School — a 156-year-old institution that offers both Kannada and English medium instruction from grades 1 to 8 — is the only government school of its kind in the area. Kotian responded positively, offering an assurance to consider the request favourably. Kuladeep M. of the scion of the Chowta royal lineage who donated the land for the school, councillor Shakuntala Devadiga were also present on the occasion
The Hindu
3 hours ago
- The Hindu
Re-enumeration of castes: A setback for Siddaramaiah
The Congress high command's direction to the party government in Karnataka to hold re-enumeration of castes to address concerns of some communities who complained of being left out of the survey, which was conducted a decade ago, is seen as a setback for Chief Minister Siddaramaiah who has been defending it despite opposition even from within the government. Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, who opposed the Socio-Economic and Educational Survey, known popularly as the caste census, welcomed the party central leaders' suggestion on the re-enumeration of caste data. Mr. Shivakumar thanked the MPs, legislators, community seers, and leaders of different communities for expressing their views to the party high command. He said a re-survey would ensure justice to all sections of the communities across the State. The party high command's direction to the government on the re-enumeration process within a stipulated time is also seen as a victory for the Opposition BJP and JD(S), who had termed it 'unscientific' and had been demanding a fresh survey. The caste census report ran into 50 volumes and the State government had spent ₹165 crore on the survey. On several occasions, the Chief Minister had justified the caste census, insisting that it was scientifically done and that it would provide valuable data to assess the social, economic, and educational conditions of various communities. The data would guide government policies and programmes, he had argued, and criticised the Opposition for their misconceptions surrounding the census. Cabinet and after Mr. Siddaramaiah chaired a special Cabinet meeting on April 17, 2025, to discuss the caste census conducted by the Karnataka State Commission for Backward Classes. The report was tabled in that Cabinet meeting. Subsequently, Cabinet meetings discussed the data but did not reach a consensus. With apparent differences among Ministers belonging to various communities, the Chief Minister had asked them to give their opinions in writing. Ministers hailing from the Veerashaiva-Lingayat and Vokkaliga communities claimed that the survey was conducted in an 'unscientific' manner and that the population of their respective communities was undercounted. Mr. Shivakumar had backed the Vokkaliga community's demand for a new survey. However, leaders of AHINDA (Kannada acronym for minorities, backward classes and Dalits) demanded that the report be tabled and its recommendations implemented. Brahmins, Reddy Lingayats, and seers of several other communities questioned the data collected 10 years ago and demanded a fresh survey. Commenting on the party leaders' suggestion for re-enumeration, the Deputy Chief Minister said, 'It is an opportunity for people of all communities to enrol their proper figure.' He said a special Cabinet meeting on June 12 would discuss the modalities of the re-enumeration and the Chief Minister would announce the time-table. Related stories Veerashaiva mahasabah to extend support to fresh caste survey
