Kerala Muslim Cultural Centre charter flights to take part in Kerala poll

Gulf NRIs charter flights to take part in Kerala poll

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/assembly-elections-2011/kerala/Gulf-NRIs-charter-flights-to-take-part-in-Kerala-poll/articleshow/7847621.cms

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Groups of NRIs from the Gulf have decided to charter flights to Kerala to vote for assembly polls on April 13. The trips are being organised by Kerala Muslim Cultural Centre (KMMC), linked to Indian Union Muslim League.

“This is the first assembly election after NRIs were given voting rights. We are excited; want to make full use of it,” said KMCC Dubai committee chief Ibrahim Ilayathil.

On Thursday, KMCC booked its first chartered flight with RAK Airways (UAE), which will bring 166 voters to Kozhikode on April 9. “About 60 people registered on the first day. We’re sure the flight will be full soon,” he said, adding the journey will cost 610 dirhams (about Rs 7,500) one way.

The KMCC has about 15,000 registered members and over 2,500 supporters across the Gulf region. “In Nadapuram constituency, for instance, there are about 500 voters among members. If they all vote, we are sure it will make a big difference to the prospects of the Muslim League and the Congress-led UDF,” said Ilayathil.

He said KMCC had extended all assistance to those who wanted to enroll as voters. About 1,000 members have so far registered their names in voters’ list. Ilayathil, however, stressed that KMCC was not spending money on them. Clarifying the organisation’s role, he said: “We are only a facilitator. The flight can be booked only after paying 50% fare advance. We recover the remaining from travellers”.

“We want to expose CM V S Achu-thanandan’s conspiracy against party general secretary P K Kunhalikutty,” said Ilayathil, who flew down to Kozhikode on Thursday night.

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