KPCC will not initiate action against Hebbalkar, says Parameshwara

Women's wing prez accused of distributing money to voters

Home Minister and Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president G Parameshwara on Friday said that no action will be initiated against KPCC women’s wing president Lakshmi Hebbalkar for alleged distribution of money to party activists ahead of the Gundlupet byelections.

He said no action is warranted unless the charges are proved. He told reporters at a private hotel in the city that the Election Commission has appointed election officers to check violation of model code of conduct.

“If the officers find Hebbalkar guilty, they will take suitable action against her. The party will not initiate any action against her unless the allegations are proved. No one will prevent the election officers from taking action against the violators,” he said.

A video of Hebbalkar, believed to be distributing money to voters of Gundlupet Assembly segment at a house in Annurkeri village in the taluk, had gone viral on social media.

‘BJP cannot fool voters’

Parameshwara expressed confidence about winning bypolls to Nanjangud and Gundlupet Assembly constituencies. He said, “The voters are aware of the strengths and weaknesses of the candidates and BJP leaders cannot fool them with lofty speeches. People are aware that only MLAs of the ruling party can take up development works in the constituency and thus they will support the Congress.”

When asked about ministers camping in Nanjangud and Gundlupet for campaigning and ignoring the interests of their constituencies, Parameshwara said, the ministers are also party workers and no minister has neglected the administrative work. “We are in touch with officials and are monitoring development works,” he said.

A few ministers have in fact abstained from campaigning to ensure that development works do not get affected, he said.

‘Let Prasad prove allegations’

He refuted V Srinivas Prasad’s allegations that Parameshwara had brought a bagful of money to Prasad’s house seeking a ministerial post. “Was Prasad chief minister or general secretary of the party to make me minister? If he has any documents let him release them,” he challenged.