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

May 30, 2016

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.

Also Read:

If I am not JD(S) candidate for Rajya Sabha then it's moneybag: BM Farooq

Industrialist BM Farooq likely to get Rajya Sabha ticket from JD(S)

Comments

What a joke from Siddu and Bava, they think people are studio to listen all this. It's purely a back plan from Moideen Bava

Next assembly election Mr.Bava will contest on JD(S) ticket.

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Mangaluru–Kasaragod bus fare rolled back after Kerala protests force NHAI to shut Arikkady toll plaza

coastaldigest.com news network

February 5,2026

Mangaluru: The KSRTC Mangaluru division has rolled back the fare hike on buses operating on the Mangaluru–Kasaragod route following the suspension of toll collection at the Arikkady toll plaza near Kumbala in Kasaragod district.

The fare revision had been implemented after the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) began toll collection at the Arikkady plaza on NH-66. As a result, fares for ordinary and Rajahamsa services were increased by ₹7 and ₹10, respectively, raising the bus fare from Mangaluru to Kasaragod from ₹81 to ₹88.

Senior Divisional Controller of KSRTC’s Mangaluru division, Rajesh Shetty, said the fares were reduced after toll collection at the Arikkady plaza was stopped. “The tollgate began operations on January 13, and the toll amount was deducted from the FASTag accounts of KSRTC buses operating on the route. Following an order from the central government to suspend toll collection, KSRTC has also withdrawn the additional fare with immediate effect,” he said.

At present, vehicles travelling on the Mangaluru–Kasaragod route pay toll only at the Talapady toll plaza. The toll for light motor vehicles (LMVs) at Talapady is ₹80 for a same-day return, while heavy vehicles, including buses, are charged ₹250. At Arikkady, the toll rates were ₹130 for LMVs (same-day return) and ₹450 for buses.

Protests against Arikkady toll plaza

The Arikkady toll plaza witnessed widespread protests from January 12, the day toll collection commenced. On the second day, an action committee led by Manjeshwar MLA A K M Ashraf launched an indefinite protest at the site. Except for the BJP, leaders and workers of most major political parties participated in the agitation.

On the night of January 14, a large number of protesters gathered at the plaza and vandalised property, following which authorities temporarily suspended toll operations. The BJP later also expressed opposition to the toll plaza and criticised NHAI’s decision.

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