Belagavi: KPCC Women’s Wing President and Belagavi (Rural) candidate Laxmi Hebbalkar on April 17, criticised BJP legislator Shobha Karandlaje on her continued silence on the recent rape and murder of an 8-year-old in Kathua, Jammu and Kashmir.

At a press conference in Belagavi, Hebbalkar expressed her displeasure at the continued silence of the BJP leader and said that it was high time that women took an united stand against such barbaric crimes against women and children. She said, “I am surprised that BJP leader Shobha Karandlaje, being a woman, did not have anything to say on the matter. She should break her silence.”

Welcoming the newly joined party workers from Bagewadi, Halaga gram panchayats, she claimed that the BJP and MES workers were quitting the party and joining hands with the Congress in Belagavi rural constituency.

Speaking on the recent protests by party workers on missing tickets, she clarified that no Congress leader was working against party principles and directives. She assured the grievances and differences in opinions would be sorted out amicably within the party.

She also informed that she would file her nomination on April 20.

Congress District President Vinay Navalgatti and Shankargouda Patil were present.