The Aryavarth Express
Agency(New Delhi): In a significant operation on Wednesday morning, election officials descended on the home-office of Laxmi Hebbalkar, the Minister for Women and Child Development, interrupting a meeting with Anganwadi and Asha workers. The raid, based on allegations of violating the election code of conduct, underscores tensions as poll activities intensify.
Responding to a tip-off about the congregation, a team led by district election officer Nitesh Patil executed the raid at the minister’s Kuvempu Nagar office. The gathering was dispersed, and officials announced plans to file a case against the minister for allegedly breaching election protocols.
The controversy centers on accusations that Minister Hebbalkar convened the meeting to solicit support for her son, Mrunal Hebbalkar, whose candidacy for the Belgaum Lok Sabha seat is reportedly imminent. Officials suggest the minister aimed to leverage the Anganwadi and Asha workers to influence voter preferences in favor of her son.
In defense, Minister Hebbalkar clarified that the purpose of the meeting was unrelated to the election. She stated the workers sought her intervention to exempt them from Booth Level Officer (BLO) duties, arguing that her actions did not contravene the election code of conduct.
This incident has spotlighted the stringent monitoring by election authorities to ensure adherence to the code of conduct, especially in the run-up to critical electoral contests. The clash between official duties and political activities has drawn attention to the delicate balance public figures must maintain during the election season.