Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)

Mangaluru, Dec 30: "Till recently, former minister, Krishna J Palemar, was claiming that I have not got sanctioned any development projects in my constituency, and that whatever works are now undertaken in my constituency, were the result of his efforts during his term. In a sudden turn around, Palemar alleged on Wednesday that I have collected 15 percent commission on grants sanctioned to my constituency. I hereby openly challenge Palemar to prove his allegations. I am even prepared for public debate on this issue if the media provides me a forum for the purpose," said city north MLA, B A Moideen Bava. He was addressing a press conference in the city on Thursday December 29.

During the protest held by BJP against the state government on Wednesday, Palemar had accused Bava of getting illegal gratification of 15 percent on development works done in his constituency.

"The statement of Palemar proves that he was misleading people through false statements that no development works have been sanctioned during my period. He has admitted that I have got development works done. Now he is trying to accuse me of indulging in corruption, which is baseless," he stated.

Bava pointed out that the officials and contractors who were working during the period when Palemar was representing this constituency, continue to function even now. He said he is prepared for an open debate by bringing together all of them in an open forum in the presence of Palemar.

The MLA added that after getting elected, he had put in efforts to see that many development works are sanctioned for his constituency. He gave examples of 24 community halls for backward classes and 22 Ambedkar Bhavans, which were sanctioned because of his efforts. He criticized BJP for keeping mum when its own government led by Sadananda Gowda gave nod to Yettinahole project and issued tenders. He said that the BJP leaders could have stalled the project then if they were genuinely interested in doing so.