Minister Hebbalkar accuses C.T. Ravi of tarnishing her reputation
Belagavi: Minister for Women and Child Development, Lakshmi Hebbalkar, has accused Legislative Council member C.T. Ravi of tarnishing her reputation by repeatedly using defamatory language against her. Addressing a press conference, a visibly emotional Hebbalkar said Ravi uttered the objectionable word not once but ten times, causing her deep distress.
Recalling the events in the Legislative Council on Thursday, Hebbalkar stated that Congress members had earlier staged a protest condemning derogatory remarks made against Dr B.R. Ambedkar. Following this, the session was adjourned for 10 minutes. During the break, C.T. Ravi allegedly referred to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi as a "drug addict."
"I remained calm initially, even though he repeated the term three to four times. However, when I finally responded by asking if a person involved in an accident could be called a murderer, Ravi retaliated by using defamatory language against me multiple times," Hebbalkar explained. She added that she had lodged a formal complaint with the Speaker.
Breaking into tears, the minister said, "I am not someone who fears such tactics. But as a mother, sister, and daughter-in-law, such statements deeply hurt me." She lamented the lack of public condemnation from BJP leaders, although some privately apologised to her.
Hebbalkar expressed gratitude to her party members and Congress workers for standing by her during this ordeal, adding, "I have struggled to rise in politics and always distanced myself from wrongdoing. It is disheartening that no BJP leader has openly criticised Ravi's remarks."
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Meghalaya MP death: Assembly session for Feb 20 likely to be adjourned, says CM
Shillong (PTI): The Meghalaya assembly session for February 20, during which the state budget is scheduled to be presented, could be adjourned as a mark of respect to Shillong MP Ricky A J Syngkon, who died on Thursday evening, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said.
Syngkon reportedly collapsed while playing futsal on the outskits of the city, and doctors at a private hospital declared him dead around 8:45 pm.
"We have discussed with Deputy Chief Minister and in-charge of Parliamentary Affairs, Prestone Tynsong, and we will have a meeting tomorrow with the Business Advisory Committee (BAC) headed by the Speaker," Sangma told PTI.
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"I have communicated to the Deputy CM that it would be appropriate for the government not to go ahead with the proceedings of the House tomorrow. Even though tomorrow is the day we are supposed to present the budget, it will make absolute sense and a mark of respect to the departed soul if we were to postpone even the presentation of the budget," he said.
Sangma expressed shock over the sudden demise of Syngkon, recalling their recent meeting in Delhi where they discussed development plans for Meghalaya.
"I had met Syngkon about two weeks back in Delhi... that was the last meeting and conversation I had with him," the CM said.
Sangma recalled Syngkon's commitment and passion for the people of Khasi and Jaintia Hills, describing his demise as a "great loss for the state".
"Syngkon served the people with humility, vision and a sincere desire to uplift society. I express my deepest condolences to the family of late Ricky Syngkon, and I pray to the Almighty that he gives strength to the family members as well as his supporters and party leaders to bear the huge loss," the chief minister added.
