Congress supporters blocked the Pune-Bengaluru national highway near Hire Bagewadi in Belagavi district of Karnataka, for a few minutes demanding a cabinet berth for MLA Laxmi Hebbalkar, on August 3.

They shouted slogans in favour of Ms Hebbalkar. They said that she had worked efficiently as a minister for three years in the Siddaramaiah-led government. They insisted that she be given a ministerial berth in the D.K. Shivakumar-led government.

They asked the Congress high command to ensure justice to Ms. Hebbalkar, ‘who worked day and night for the party’.

Her inclusion will benefit the party in the next election and ensure proper representation to women, they said.