The Congress’ primary held in Mangalore on Sunday to elect the party’s candidate for the Dakshina Kannada Lok Sabha seat, brought to the fore what punctuality could deliver. It was indeed a refreshing experience for the Congressmen.
The Mangalore City North MLA, B. A. Mohiuddin Bava was denied entry to the venue of the election as he arrived late. Several other Mahila Congress members were also turned away since they could not establish proof of their identity.
The first-time Congress MLA had to return from the gate of the Rosario School Hall at Pandeshwar, the venue of the primary where the former KPCC President, B. Janardhana Poojary defeated party state unit’s minority cell vice president U. Kanachur Monu by 478-62 votes.
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The Congress authorities had fixed 11 a.m. as the deadline to enter the venue for voters while Mr Bava arrived a few minutes late and consequently his request for entry was in vain. Speaking to The Hindu Mr. Bava said that he felt guilty that he could not reach the venue on time. Earlier in the day he had arrived from Saudi Arabia.
Inside the venue, Mr. Monu broke down since he could not campaign for votes. “Those who address me with love, ditched me and made me feel that I should have stayed away from the primary.” Several party workers expressed their happiness since they felt the primary enabled them to have a say in party affairs. Former President of District National Students Union of India Mohammed Althaf said hitherto choice of candidates was behind curtains; this occasion it was transparent.