Pics: Meryick D'Silva
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (CLP)
'I am not biased'
Mangaluru, Dec 11: Mangaluru North MLA Mohiuddin Bava said that he raised the issue related to the recent communal clashes at Ulaibettu in the Congress Legislative Party (CLP) meeting and urged chief minister Siddaramaiah to boost security in Mangaluru by deploying more police personnel.
Addressing a press meet here on Thursday December 11, he said, "Many people are trying to disrupt the communal harmony in our place. Mangaluru is a tourist destination and aneducational hub.
"I have highlighted the Ulaibettu issue in the CLP meeting and apprised CM Siddaramaiah about the things that happened. I have also urged him to increase police security in this place and also deply rapid action force," he said.
"Strict action will be taken against any individual or organization, irrespective of caste and community, that indulges in communal violence or attempts to disrupt peace," he warned.
Asked to comment on allegations that he was biased in his functioning as an MLA, he said, "I am proud that I have done so much work for my constituency irrespectve of caste, religion or creed."
Further, referring to the road issue that sparked Ulaibettu clashes, Bava said, "The Ulaibettu road was supposed to be inaugurated on December 15, and it was left for curing, with barricade put up. The Muslims also needed the road as much as the Hindus did.
"Some people are purposely spreading rumours that I favour Muslims. What hurts me is that I am seen as belonging to only a particular community. I have never done any partiality in my constituency. I have constructed roads where temples are standing. In the same constitiuency, a day after the Ulaibettu isse, I participated in a puja ceremony for a road connecting a temple. I have helped churches, temples and mosques in renovation work and so on. I am not biased," he asserted.
On the absence of Muslim leaders and elected representatives, including him, at the recent peace meet, he said, "Peace meet cannot be complete unless ministers and people's representatives are present. It was one-sided. We should have another peace meet along with leaders of all the communities."
Asked to comment on reports that he did not share a good rapport with MP Nalin Kumar Kateel, former MLA Krishna Palemar and union minister D V Sadananda Gowda, he rubbished the claims and said, "Whenever we have some work in common, we go together and even eat together. We have good relations. I do not understand why some groups are trying to create tension when there is peace."
"We have to live in peace and bring good name to Mangaluru. Students from all over the country and the world come to this place for education, they should feel safe and secure while they study here. Let us live together happily," he urged.
Shashidhar Hegde, Pratibha Kulai and T K Sudhir were present.
MCF
Referring to the closure of MCF, he said lots of farmers were facing problems due to shortage of fertilizers, and that he has spoken to the CM about it. "The chief minister has assured that steps would be taken within 15 days to reopen MCF," Bava added.