Mangaluru: Mangaluru North Constituency MLA Moideen Bava has been in the news for some bizarre reasons. It was not long ago that the people of his constituency were fuming after he distributed notebooks carrying his images on the cover, to students in his constituency and now Bava is in the news yet again. Bava has become the most spoken about politician, especially on social networking sites after news of him trying to lure women voters by distributing sarees started making the rounds.
Several facebook users have posted a particular picture of the MLA and have debated over how an elected representative can make a mockery out of the democratic system by indulging in such activities, especially when the elections are fast approaching.
A section claims that Bava has been touring his constituency extensively, especially the pockets in which BJP inclined voters reside, and has been distributing sarees.
While some claim that this is a recent activity taken up by the MLA, there are many who say the picture on the internet is quite old.
Speaking to NewsKarnataka, social activist Muneer Katipalla said that the MLA has been doing this over the last three years in the constituency with the intention of garnering votes.
Muneer laments that the culture of distributing money, alcohol and gifts such as sarees and other things were believed to have been rampant in the northern part of the state but, Bava seems to be bringing the culture to the coastal district.
“I believe that if something is wrong morally, there is no way that one can justify it. Luring voters is not a good culture at all. This is going to ruin our democracy. This trend will make politics an avenue available only for the ‘haves’ and keep the ‘have nots’ completely out of politics,” opines Muneer adding that it is time people understood the value of their vote and rejected such materials being gifted to them.
Meanwhile, several residents of the constituency have critcised Bava, a businessman turned politician for making a business out his responsibility as well. Several others are asking him about the money that is being spent by him on the sarees and the source of the revenue as well.
However, Bava clarified to NewsKarnataka that though the pictures of him distributing the sarees are recent ones, he has a valid reason.
“I have not done this keeping the elections in mind or by nurturing any ulterior motives. I did it recently because this was my plan to celebrate my birthday (March 15) in a meaningful way. Since the election code of conduct will be in place during my birthday, I have preponed the activities. I will, even this year, distribute notebooks to school children (which will carry his photos on the cover pages), hold peace walks and organise a job fair in my constituency as part of my birthday celebration,” he said.
