President of the State Congress Women’s Cell Laxmi Hebbalkar, who was defeated by a narrow margin in the last assembly election, has been nurturing the Belagavi Rural constituency for the last several years. Though the I-T Department has reportedly recovered over Rs 162 crore from the residences of Ms Hebbalkar and minister Ramesh Jarkiholi, she is undeterred by the charges. She claims only Rs 40 lakh was recovered in raids across the state that day. She seems resolute in facing the coming elections, though it is said that I-T raids have dented her image. She says nobody can question her sincerity in working for the welfare of the people. Excerpts from an interview:
A political storm has hit the Congress with the recovery of a diary purportedly belonging to MLC K. Govindaraju, which reveals information about Rs 1,000 crore payment made to the high command. Don't you think it has dented the party image?
The issue is not as serious as it is being projected by some leaders. It may have affected the party to some extent, but people know that they (BJP) are politicising the issue. Mr Govindaraju has denied that it was his diary. I wonder how sensitive information related to IT raids is being leaked to the media.
You have not clarified on IT raids on your residence, though all details have come out.
The raid on my residence is between me and the I-T Department. I have been giving all the documents sought by the I-T Department. I have not done anything illegal and everything is accountable. The law will take its course and I am sure that Mr Ramesh Jarkiholi and I will come out clean. It is unfortunate that PM Narendra Modi raised the issue in his recent election rallies. It is unbecoming of a PM to spout such lies. I pity him. Not over Rs 40 lakh was recovered during the raids conducted in 16 places, including my residence, across the state in one day.
When assets disproportionate to known sources of income are being recovered during IT raids on Congress leaders, how fair is it to say that BJP leaders are behind these raids?
Over the last few months, the I-T Department has targeted only Congress leaders. It raided my properties only after BJP leaders filed a complaint. I have got evidence to prove the role of these BJP leaders. I am ready to produce the papers now.
Congress MLA K. Venkatesh said that the leaders have to take bribes to pay the voters during elections. Some other Congress leaders too have admitted that being a party in power, the state unit has to feed the party high command. Don't you think the government in the state has turned corrupt?
I am not aware of what Mr Venkatesh said. The state government has been working sincerely to fulfill the people's aspirations and will try to meet all the promises made. Allegations against the Congress lack substance.
Viewing of porn clippings by Minister Tanveer Sait and the sex scandal involving former minister H.Y. Meti may keep women voters away from the Congress...
Investigating authorities have already given Mr Tanveer Sait a clean chit. The party has dealt seriously with all those who are facing serious allegations. These issues will not have any impact.
The CM is at the receiving end for allegedly handing over Rs 1,000 crore to the high command. How's the party dealing with it?
The issue has been raised by some leaders only to tarnish the image of the Congress ahead of assembly elections.
Minister Satish Jarkiholi identified himself with BJP leaders during the recent APMC elections in Belagavi. Is Congress aware of his anti-party activities?
Mr Jarkiholi may have supported some leaders in APMC elections who were not from the Congress, but he would remain in the party during the assembly elections.
With I-T raids and anti-party activities by some leaders in Belagavi, do you still think voters will rally behind you in the next assembly election?
I have been working for the development of Belgavi Rural assembly segment for the last many years. People are aware of the facts and have faith in my leadership. They can't be misled by allegations and conspiracies being hatched against me.
