The Karnataka government had announced on Monday to celebrate “Tipu Jayanti” marking the birth anniversary of the controversial ruler of the erstwhile Mysore kingdom, on November 10. The BJP had warned the state of massive protests if the decision is not withdrawn.
BJP MLA Belthangdy Harish Poonja on Thursday asked the deputy commissioner Sasikanth Senthil not to invite him for Tipu Jayanti celebrations which will be observed on November 10, and asked him not to use the MLA’s name and designation in the invitations. In the letter he said that celebrating the Jayanti of a ruler who killed many Hindus and Christians during his regime amounted to betrayal of the people of the state.
The state BJP, meanwhile, has urged the government to drop its decision to celebrate Tipu Jayanti and not to stand on "prestige" or "ego".
Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara, had held a meeting with senior officials about the celebrations on November 10 and directed the police authorities to organise events and funds for the celebrations. He said that strict action will be taken against anyone disrupting the peace or causing riots.
He said no procession, either in favour or against, will be given permission.
This is the first Tipu Jayanti celebration after HD Kumaraswamy assumed charge as the Chief Minister. Earlier , Congress had introduced the Tipu Jayanti celebrations despite strong opposition from BJP and Hindu organsiations, when Siddaramaiah was the Chief Minister.
Tipu Sultan a ruler of erstwhile Mysore kingdom was considered a cold-hearted enemy of British East India Company. He died defending his fort in the year 1799. Sultan is a considered a controversial figure as he is accused of torturing and forcibly converting people of Kodavas (Coorgis), a martial race, in Kodagu district. He is also accused for execution of Mandayam Iyengars at the temple town of Melkote in Mandya district on Diwali. However some historians consider him secular and modern ruler who challenged the might of the British.
BJP called Tipu Jayanti as the ruling party’s tactics of minority appeasement.