Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar confident of Congress victory in Dakshina Kannada Local by-elections

Mangalore Today News Network

Udupi, October 20, 2024: Udupi district in-charge Minister for Women and Child Development, Laxmi Hebbalkar, confidently stated that Congress candidate S. Raju Poojary is poised to win the upcoming byelections to the Karnataka Legislative Council from the Dakshina Kannada Local Authorities’ constituency.

Speaking to reporters after an election meeting at the district Congress office in Udupi, Hebbalkar said the BJP’s overconfidence could backfire, despite their belief they will win. The Congress, on the other hand, has meticulously planned to secure Poojary’s victory, she added.

She highlighted a strong pro-Congress sentiment along the coast, pointing out that Poojary, a longstanding Congressman, has earned the respect of voters due to his rise from the grassroots. Hebbalkar expressed confidence in the party’s chances, citing the popularity of the Congress government’s pro-people initiatives, including the five guarantees, which she believes will ensure voter support.

The Congress party has also bolstered the Panchayat Raj system, ensuring each gram panchayat receives a ₹2 crore grant annually through the employment guarantee scheme. Hebbalkar emphasized that this byelection is politically important for the Congress, and with committed efforts from the party’s cadre and personal engagement with voters, Poojary is certain to win.