Belagavi (Karnataka), Dec 17 (NationPress) The Karnataka Assembly was the scene of intense drama on Wednesday as members of the Bharatiya Janata Party protested in the well of the House, demanding the attendance of Women and Child Welfare Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar regarding alleged discrepancies in the Gruha Laxmi scheme payments.

The Opposition blocked the Question Hour, accusing the Minister of providing misleading information about pending disbursements.

As efforts to restore order proved fruitless, Speaker UT Khader adjourned the session.

Leader of the Opposition R. Ashoka stated that the issue had been raised for three consecutive days and accused the Minister of delivering false information to the Assembly.

“I brought this up during Zero Hour. Since then, she has been absent for three days. I even visited your chamber to discuss this matter. What is happening? She must be summoned to clarify her position,” Ashoka demanded.

“Where has she disappeared to? Is she on the Moon? This involves Rs 5,000 crore,” he added.

In response to the uproar, Speaker Khader assured that the Minister would provide answers before the conclusion of the session.

Ashoka remarked that when he highlighted the non-release of the February and March payments, the Minister insisted that all installments had been distributed. “Does this not constitute misleading the House? Why do we ask questions? If a Minister supplies incorrect information, it should be taken up by the Privilege Committee. She is incapable of acquiring accurate information from her officials,” he alleged.

“We assume everything Ministers say in the House is factual. If this trend continues, trust in Ministerial statements will erode. I urge you to summon her to the House,” Ashoka stated.

All BJP members rose in unison, insisting that the Speaker ensure the Minister's presence in the House.

Minister for RDPR, IT and BT Priyank Kharge acknowledged that the Leader of the Opposition had raised the issue the previous day. “Ashoka's claims are accurate. We have a duty to inform correctly. I cannot make statements arbitrarily. The Chief Minister has also confirmed that if two installments are pending, they will be released promptly,” Kharge stated.

“There is no intention on the part of the Minister to mislead the House, nor does the government harbor such intentions,” he added.

Senior BJP MLA S. Suresh Kumar commented that even if there was no intent to mislead, the Minister should have rectified the misinformation as soon as it was recognized. “It appears that just as Gruha Laxmi payments are issued right before elections, are they planning to provide answers only at the end of the session?” he queried.

“On one hand, Gruha Laxmi installments are delayed, and on the other, answers are not forthcoming. How can this be acceptable? The Minister must be called to clarify,” Suresh Kumar demanded.

Addressing Kharge, the Speaker noted that the Opposition's primary concern was about misleading the House, not the actual release of funds. “Let her clarify. I will also summon her and discuss this matter. A clarification will be prepared,” he assured.

Senior BJP leader V. Sunil Kumar stressed that the issue had been ongoing for three days and claimed the Minister had misled the Assembly. “As the Speaker rightly pointed out, this is not merely about money. It pertains to providing incorrect information to the House. Today, she is expected to answer questions regarding her portfolio. We cannot ascertain whether her responses will be accurate or not,” he said.

“Until she is summoned and the matter is resolved, the Question Hour cannot proceed. The session cannot continue in this manner,” Sunil Kumar added.

MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal remarked that if Ministers are delivering incorrect responses, there is no purpose in conducting Question Hour and suggested it be canceled.

Ashoka mentioned that the Opposition had cooperated in passing Bills and emphasized that the matter was not personal. “This impacts 1.24 crore women. The February installment must be cleared after January, and the March installment must follow. Without releasing the February and March payments, how can disbursements for April, May, and subsequent months be managed?” he questioned.

“Has this ever occurred in Karnataka's history? Why were two months' payments withheld? Was it done to commit fraud? Is the treasury empty? Was it for party interests or personal gain? Beneficiary women have loan obligations and other responsibilities,” Ashoka said.