Pics: Abhijith N Kolpe
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (ANK)
Mangaluru, Mar 10: A day after a complaint was made against Mangaluru North MLA Mohiuddin Bava for allegedly distorting an Ayyappa Swamy devotional song for his publicity campaign, the MLA denied his role in the entire episode.
In the audio that has gone viral, the lyrics of the Ayyappa Swamy devotional song 'Kallum Mullum Sabarimalaikku' have been replaced with Tulu lyrics that begin with 'Kallu Mullu Tojune Ijji'. The new lyrics speak of Bava's developmental works. The music and the tune are same as in the original song. The Ayyappa Swamy Seva Trust of Maroli on Friday March 9 submitted a complaint to the deputy commissioner alleging that MLA Bava had hurt religious sentiments by distorting an Ayyappa Swamy devotional song for personal gains. Another complaint was filed in Puttur police station.
Addressing the media here on Saturday, March 10, Bava said, "I am a devotee of Ayyappa Swamy and several programmes have been organised over the years in the north constituency in his honour. I have taken part in the programmes without any discrimination and I pray for the well-being of the devotees. I have even donated funds for the development of Ayyappa temple.
"Without my knowledge, I received the song which may have been created by my followers or those who are against me. If this song has hurt religious sentiments, then I apologize for it. Hurting religious sentiments was never the intention and I also urge everyone not to make the song viral," he said.
"Some are even politicizing this issue. Someone else has done the mistake, for which I have to suffer. There is no single line in the lyrics which intends to hurt people’s sentiments. If there is any such line, then I am ready to call for an investigation on this issue if required," he said, adding, "I have always worked for all religions, without any bias."
He also said that the foundation stone laying ceremony of the Rs 60-crore market at Surathkal will be held on March 15 on the day of his birthday. "I will also distribute school books to the students," he added.