Mon Mar 31 07:38:03 UTC 2025: ## Karnataka Minister Challenges BJP’s Claim on Panchamasali Support

**Belagavi, March 31, 2025** – Karnataka’s Women and Child Development Minister, Laxmi Hebbalkar, has publicly challenged a claim by Sri Basava Jaya Mrutyunjay Swami of the Kudalsangam peetha that over 80% of the Panchamasali community supports the BJP. Hebbalkar, herself a Panchamasali Lingayat leader and Congress member, asserted that the community has overwhelmingly supported the Congress, citing the success of several Congress candidates, including those in reserved constituencies, as evidence.

While acknowledging the right of religious leaders to offer guidance on state policies, Hebbalkar cautioned against excessive political commentary. She stated that religious figures should provide feedback on government mistakes but should refrain from making unsubstantiated claims.

The Minister also dismissed BJP allegations of a scam in the Energy Department’s smart meter procurement, pointing out that the Energy Minister had already addressed the issue in the assembly. She highlighted that the company awarded the tender had also secured contracts in BJP-ruled Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh.

Hebbalkar further defended the recent milk price hike, stating that the ₹4 increase would directly benefit farmers as the Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF) would not retain the additional revenue.

Finally, Hebbalkar extended her best wishes to Vijayapura MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal, recently expelled from the BJP, on his efforts to form a new regional party. She declined to comment on the reasons behind Yatnal’s expulsion but expressed support for his new venture should it materialize.

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