Karnataka Minister Lakshmi Hebbalkar and MLC Chennaraj Hattiholi had a narrow escape in a road accident on Tuesday morning. The incident took place near Belagavi, when his car went out of control and hit a tree while trying to save a dog running on the road.
Minor injuries, treatment ongoing
Minister Lakshmi Hebbalkar suffered back and face injuries in the accident, while MLC Chennaraj Hattiholi suffered minor head injuries. Treatment of both is going on. The incident took place around 6 am in the morning, information about which was given by Mrinal Hebbalkar, son of Lakshmi Hebbalkar.
There is increased stir in Karnataka Congress, speculation about change of leadership intensifies
Political heat is increasing in Karnataka. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and the ruling Congress leadership have given strict instructions to party MLAs to avoid public statements. This instruction was given in the Congress Legislature Party meeting on Monday. Congress general secretaries Randeep Singh Surjewala and Jairam Ramesh were also present in the meeting.
Discussions on power-sharing and leadership change
The recent stir in Karnataka Congress escalated when CM Siddaramaiah hosted a dinner with some ministers from the Dalit and Scheduled Tribe community at the residence of minister Satish Jarkiholi. This sparked speculation that there could be a leadership change under a power-sharing formula after the state budget in March.
What is the power-sharing formula?
After winning the assembly elections in 2023, the Congress had decided on a power-sharing formula for the post of Chief Minister by alternating between Siddaramaiah and DK Shivakumar. It is discussed that this formula can be implemented after the budget session. However, some MLAs have rejected it, while some have hinted at this possibility.
Strong message given to MLAs
The Congress leadership has given strict instructions to the MLAs to follow the decisions of the party high command. This step has been taken to stop any kind of rhetoric.
