Byndoor, January 26, 2026: Women and Child Development Minister and Udupi District In-charge Minister Lakshmi Hebbalkar emphasised that politics should be limited to election periods, while development must remain the priority at all other times.

Speaking at the Byndoor Utsava, the minister said: “I have never done politics in the name of development, and I never will. Development is my only priority.”

She praised MLA Gururaj Ganthihole for working in the constituency in line with Mahatma Gandhi’s vision of Gram Swaraj (village self-rule) and women’s empowerment. “Mahatma Gandhi said India is a country of villages; villages must develop, and women must be empowered. MLA Gururaj Ganthihole is sincerely following this path,” she added.

Minister Hebbalkar described herself as a disciplined soldier of the Congress party, saying: “For me, the Congress party is like my mother and father. MLA Gururaj Ganthihole is equally loyal to his party. However, as people’s representatives, we must view issues from a social perspective and work with social commitment. Do politics during elections, but focus on development the rest of the time.”

She highlighted the Congress government’s initiatives under Chief Minister Siddaramaiah for women’s empowerment, including Gruha Lakshmi, Shakti, and Gruha Jyothi schemes, which have benefited lakhs of women. “As a next step of Gruha Lakshmi, Gruha Lakshmi Cooperative Bank and Gruha Lakshmi Digital App will be launched soon,” she announced.

The minister concluded: “Everyone should work selflessly. God neither blesses nor curses; He gives us opportunities to work. We must perform our duties meaningfully for the benefit of the people.”

The event was attended by MLA Gururaj Ganthihole, Alva’s Education Foundation President Mohan Alva, Deputy Commissioner T.K. Swaroop, ZP CEO Prateek Bayal, ASP Sudhakar, Udupi Taluk Guarantee Schemes Implementation Committee President Ramesh Kanchan, and several other dignitaries.