Belagavi (Karnataka), Dec 17 (NationPress) In a dramatic turn of events following an admission of a mistake in the distribution of the Gruha Laxmi scheme payments, the Minister for Women and Child Welfare, Laxmi Hebbalkar, accused the opposition of targeting her solely because she is a woman. This assertion was met with strong disapproval from the BJP, which urged her to refrain from playing the victim card.

The Minister's comments came after BJP leaders demanded a public apology for allegedly misleading the House regarding the release of two installments of Rs 2,000 each, meant for 1.26 crore beneficiaries under the Gruha Laxmi scheme.

Minister Hebbalkar previously acknowledged in the House that she had indicated that the February and March installments had been disbursed, only to later realize that these payments were still outstanding.

She expressed regret if her statements had offended any members of the House. However, the BJP reiterated its demand for an unconditional apology. The Leader of the Opposition, R. Ashoka, emphasized that the issue transcended personal sentiments, focusing instead on the Minister's reluctance to apologize to the 1.26 crore beneficiaries of the Gruha Laxmi scheme.

As BJP members voiced similar sentiments, the Minister offered an apology but insisted: "You are all targeting me due to my gender."

This statement incited a commotion, with BJP members objecting vehemently, while Congress members rallied to her support.

Minister for Medical Education, Sharan Prakash Patil, remarked that it was unjust for the entire opposition to target a female Minister post-apology.

Senior MLA and former Minister S. Suresh Kumar countered by stating: "Let us not play the victim card."

Patil pointed out that provisions exist for Ministers to amend mistakes and accused the BJP of unnecessarily escalating the issue.

Opposition leader Ashoka cautioned that the Minister should not seek refuge behind her gender.

"She holds an equivalent status to male Ministers and, in fact, occupies a higher constitutional position than other members. She failed to provide a satisfactory response to a straightforward inquiry and instead made unwarranted remarks," he stated.

Earlier, as BJP MLAs protested in the well of the House, Ashoka stated, “This protest concerns the citizens of the state. We trust you, Speaker U.T. Khader, to adjudicate. You confirmed on the floor of the House that the concerned Minister had claimed dues were cleared up to August, implying that the February and March dues were also settled.”

“Now, your honor is at stake. This is not just about us. Approximately 1.26 crore beneficiaries are still waiting for their Gruha Laxmi installments, which have not yet been credited,” he emphasized.

Ashoka asserted that BJP members had consistently highlighted the Minister's provision of incorrect information and that the February and March installments had not been disbursed.

Quoting the Minister's words while addressing BJP MLA Mahesh Tenginakayi, Ashoka noted: “Instalments have been paid up to August. You are discussing February and March. Please grasp what I have conveyed.”

"She conveyed this in a manner suggesting that members should not pursue the matter further," Ashoka alleged.

"Three days have elapsed since I raised the issue, and I was promised a response from the Minister the following day. To date, no answer has been provided. This situation involves nearly Rs 5,000 crore. Every month, Rs 2,480 crore is essential to release Rs 2,000 to every woman head of a family in the state. Where is the money?" Ashoka questioned.

"Which law allows for the deferral of installment payments? What legislation permits payments for subsequent months without settling outstanding dues from prior months?" he queried.

Ashoka suggested that the Minister could have simply informed the House that she would verify the information and respond later. “Instead, she opted to raise her voice. What does that imply?” he questioned, adding that she must apologize to the state and the beneficiaries of the Gruha Laxmi scheme.

Speaker U.T. Khader urged opposition members to return to their seats, indicating that Minister Hebbalkar had come to provide her response and that continuing the protest in the well of the House would not be favorable.

As opposition MLAs remained unyielding, Minister for Agriculture N. Cheluvarayaswamy appealed to Ashoka for cooperation, assuring him that his request for the Minister's reply was being addressed.

Senior MLA S. Suresh Kumar remarked that the issue encompassed two facets: the inaccurate information provided to the House and its repercussions on beneficiaries. Drawing a historical parallel, he mentioned: “Mysuru ruler Hyder Ali allegedly delayed soldiers’ salaries by five days each month, ultimately depriving them of a full month’s salary annually. Similarly, the Congress-led government seems to be adopting a comparable strategy.”

Congress Ministers and MLAs expressed strong objections to this comment and condemned it. Speaker Khader again urged the opposition to resume their seats, emphasizing the need for a positive message and constructive debate. “Let order be restored in the House,” he stated.

Ashoka consented to comply but warned that should the Minister's response prove unsatisfactory, BJP members would return to the well of the House.