Thu Mar 13 14:41:19 UTC 2025: ## MLA’s Wife Accused of Misusing Influence in Dharwad
**Hubballi, March 13, 2025** – BJP leaders in Dharwad have accused Shivaleela Kulkarni, wife of Dharwad MLA Vinay Kulkarni, of abusing her position by holding official meetings and inaugurating projects despite lacking any official standing.
At a press conference on Thursday, BJP leader Shankar Kumar Desai alleged that Ms. Kulkarni, a nominated director of the Dharwad Milk Union, conducted meetings in several gram panchayats and even inaugurated new classrooms at a government school in Hebballi. Desai argued that this violated protocol, citing the display of Ms. Kulkarni’s photographs at the school inauguration as misuse of authority.
He further criticized the Congress party’s justification that protocol only applies to inaugural ceremonies, not bhumi pujas (groundbreaking ceremonies). Desai stated that Ms. Kulkarni’s actions constitute a misuse of her husband’s influence, especially considering MLA Vinay Kulkarni’s court-imposed restriction from entering Dharwad district.
The BJP claims some government officials tacitly supported Ms. Kulkarni’s actions and has submitted a memorandum to the Zilla Panchayat CEO demanding their suspension. They have threatened agitation if no action is taken. Several Hubballi Dharwad Municipal Corporation council members joined Desai at the press conference.
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