Belagavi
BJP members, led by Deputy Opposition Leader Aravind Bellad, protested in Belagavi, demanding the resignation of Women and Child Welfare Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar over her alleged role in the suicide of Second Division Assistant (SDA) Rudranna Yadavannavar. The protestors claim Hebbalkar indirectly contributed to Rudranna’s death and called for her to step down on moral grounds.
Forming a human chain at Rani Channamma Circle, the protestors chanted slogans against Hebbalkar and the state government. They later presented a memorandum to the Deputy Commissioner, urging the government to act. Protestors allege that Rudranna took his life after implicating Somu Dodawad, Hebbalkar’s personal assistant.
MLA Bellad demanded Hebbalkar’s immediate resignation, warning of state-wide protests if she does not step down. He also called for a transparent investigation, expressing concerns about evidence tampering.
Former MLA Sanjay Patil highlighted that Rudranna’s mobile phone remains missing three days after his death, raising doubts about the government’s commitment to a fair inquiry. He emphasized that Hebbalkar should resign if she has no attachment to her position, allowing an impartial investigation to proceed.
The protest saw participation from BJP leaders, including Shankar Madalagi, Subhash Patil, Geeta Sutar, and Vinod Patil.
