Belagavi: The elections of the Malaprabha Cooperative Sugar Factory in MK Hubballi, Kittur taluk, ended with a sweeping win for the ‘Factory Revival Panel’ led by Minister for Women and Child Welfare Laxmi Hebbalkar and MLC Channaraj Hattiholi.
All 15 candidates supported by the panel, backed by Hebbalkar, Hattiholi, Khanapur MLA Vitthal Halagekar, and Kittur MLA Babasaheb Patil, secured victory, leaving rival groups far behind. The voting, held on Sunday at Shri Kalmeshwar PU College, saw strong turnout from shareholder farmers, with police deployed to maintain order, reported The New Indian Express.
The election drew unusual political focus because of the factory’s financial problems and concerns over possible privatisation. Outside the polling station, a group of farmers staged a protest, accusing leaders of ignoring their problems and shouting slogans asking Hebbalkar to protect the factory. Tensions rose when her supporters clashed with protesters, and MLC Hattiholi had to escort the minister away.
After voting, Hebbalkar said the Malaprabha factory was vital for farmers and added that their aim was not power but to bring the factory back to its earlier strength. She made it clear that privatisation would not be allowed.
Following the results, Hebbalkar expressed gratitude to farmers and workers for their support, while Hattiholi promised that the panel would focus on reviving the factory and restoring the trust of its stakeholders.
