Kerala polls 2026: IUML leader C P Bava Haji's Gulf trip offer sparks row

KOZHIKODE: IUML leader C P Bava Haji's offer of free round-trip air tickets and 15-day stay in UAE for top performing booth and mandalam level office-bearers of UDF committees if they secure an impressive win for UDF candidate in Thavanur has left the poll scene buzzing and has also sparked a controversy.IUML state vice-president made the offer at the UDF convention held at Thavanur on Tuesday.Haji who is also a prominent businessman with interests in Gulf countries said he would personally sponsor the trip. He called upon UDF workers to focus on securing leads in booth level and added that the incentive should be provided to panchayat level committees as well.Malappuram district collector Vinay Goyal has asked district police chief to look into whether the remarks constitute any violation of model code of conduct.Thavanur is witnessing a contest between incumbent Left independent MLA K T Jaleel and V S Joy.Goyal said appropriate action would be taken if it was found that any poll code violation is involved in the remarks.Meanwhile, UDF leaders said the speech does not constitute any poll code violation as Haji has not tried to influence voters and had only tried to energize UDF cadres. tnn