Malappuram (Kerala), March 26 An announcement by a senior IUML leader offering a "free Gulf trip" to local party functionaries if the UDF candidate in the Thavanur constituency secures a significant victory has sparked a debate in the poll-bound district of Kerala.
The Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) is a key ally of the opposition Congress-led UDF.
IUML state vice president C P Bava Haji made the offer while addressing party workers during an election convention held in Thavanur on Tuesday.
According to TV visuals, he was heard promising a 15-day free Gulf tour to members of the mandalam and panchayat committee of the party who help ensure the highest lead for the UDF candidate and District Congress Committee (DCC) president V S Joy in the constituency.
The package includes round-trip travel tickets, accommodation, and other expenses for the trip, the leader said, and urged the party workers to focus on their respective booths in the constituency and ensure the maximum vote margin for the UDF candidate.
Responding to the development, Malappuram District Collector Vinay Goyal said that the matter has come to his attention and further details are being gathered.
"I have spoken to the district police chief. Further action will be decided after collecting more information and details," he told the media.
Officials indicated that the matter would be examined in accordance with election rules before deciding on further steps.
However, UDF sources said that the offer was not aimed at voters but at party workers and its committees to ensure the maximum vote margin in favor of the candidate.
Joy is contesting to wrest the Thavanur seat from the sitting LDF independent MLA K T Jaleel in the April 9 polls.