CM takes on MLA Bava over BM Farooq contesting RS polls on JD(S) ticket

Bengaluru, May 30: Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah has reportedly slammed MLA BA Mohiuddin Bava during Congress Legislative Party meeting for failing to convince his brother BM Farooq to refrain from contesting Rajya Sabha polls on Janata Dal (Secular) ticket.

JD(S) has fielded Mr Farooq, the proprietor of Fiza group and president of Bearys Welfare Association for Rajya Sabha polls from Karnataka for the sole seat it can win with the help of a few independents.

According to political analysts, HD Deve Gowda-led regional party has targeted two birds with one stone. By picking a Muslim candidate, JD(S) has not only succeed in checkmating rebel MLA Zameer Ahamed Khan, but also sent a strong message to Mr Siddaramaiah, who has been projecting himself as messiah of the poor and the downtrodden.

“How can your brother jump into the poll fray without your consent,” an angry CM was quoted by a Kannada news channel as asking Mr Bava, who represents Mangaluru North constituency in Legislative Assembly.

Mr Bava replied that he had no control over Mr Farooq and that the latter had taken the decision independently after directly contacting JD(S) leaders without his family's consent. The CM, however, refused to buy Mr Bava's version and reminded him that he had fetched Mr Farooq to the former's office in connection with wind energy projects some time ago.

“If you wanted a Rajya Sabha ticket for your family, you should have asked me instead of allowing your brother to approach JD(S). You are well aware of the fact that senior Congress leader Oscar Farnades, who also belongs to your region (coastal Karnataka) is contesting on Congress ticket,” Mr Siddaramaiah said suspecting Mr Bava's loyalty to the party.

Mr Bava said that he had tried his best to convince his brother not to contest on JD(S) ticket but in vain. “I am a pure Congress man and I will cast my vote in front of the party observers. My vote will be against my brother, who is not with my party,” Mr Bava said.

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