Clashes took place today in Karnataka over Tipu Sultan's celebrations
A man died in Karnataka on Tuesday amid clashes over the celebration of the birth anniversary of Tipu Sultan, an 18th century ruler who is a much-debated figure in history.
The police say that the man, reportedly an activist of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, died of a fall from a 15-foot boundary wall during a stone-throwing protest in Kodagu, 250 km from Bengaluru. He was trying to run away from the police baton-charge on protesters, says senior officer Om Prakash.
The opposition BJP has called for an investigation into the death. "The government did not take precautionary measures," said Prahlad Joshi, the party's state chief.
Despite the protests, the Congress government held a function to mark the birth anniversary of Tipu Sultan, who ruled Mysore from 1782 to 1799.
The BJP boycotted the event. The party, its ideological mentor Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, and their affiliates believe that Tipu Sultan was a tyrant who forcefully converted Hindus and persecuted Christians.
The ruling Congress, however, says Tipu Sultan was a "progressive and secular" king.
"Some communal forces are opposing this celebration. Most people are supporting it," Mr Siddaramaiah told NDTV, adding, "It was expected that the BJP would boycott it. What else could we expect from BJP and RSS people?"
The Congress says Tipu was one person who promoted communal harmony and helped restore destroyed temples.
Calling Tipu the "most intolerant king in history", senior RSS leader V Nagaraj said: "Most of the people have supported the protests. You can go through recorded history, his own statements, and what was written on his sword. On his sword it was clearly mentioned it was meant to kill the kaffirs."
One BJP lawmaker, Abdul Azeem, differs from the party line. "Tipu Sultan was very secular and gave equal treatment to Hindus and Muslims. Not only mosques but also temples were looked after," he says.