As Karnataka Simmers Ahead Of Tipu Jayanti, BJP Holds Protest March

Bengaluru: The opposition BJP held a march in Bengaluru today to register their protest against the Congress government's plan to celebrate the birth anniversary of Tipu Sultan, the 18th Century ruler they regard as a patriot and a hero who fought against the British.

The BJP's view is diametrically opposite - one that claims the monarch was a tyrant who forcibly tortured, taxed and converted his non-Muslim subjects.

With the government sticks to its stand of celebrating Tipu Sultan's birth anniversary for the second consecutive year, the controversy has been growing, feeding on resentment from a chunk of locals who support the BJP view.

"I demand the chief minister and home minister to stop this Tipu Jayanti. Almost all learned people are opposing this Tipu Jayanti," said state BJP chief and former Chief Minister BS Yeddyurappa.

Appealing to the opposition, home minister Dr G Parameshwara said, "It is the decision of the government to celebrate Tipu Jayanti, consciously we have done that. I once again request them - it is a government programme, just cooperate with us."

Last year, the run-up to the celebrations had been mired in protests, in which two persons had died and many were injured. In view of the law and order issues, the police say they have made elaborate arrangements, including calling up extra personnel, for the big day on November 10.  

"We have got extra forces from the centre and the neighbouring states," said state police chief Om Prakash. "From Kerala, we have got one company of armed police and seven companies from central RAF."

The Karnataka High Court, while questioning the logic behind celebrating the birth anniversary of Tipu Sultan, has refused to intervene in the matter, calling it a "policy decision".  Tipu, the court  had said, was merely a monarch safeguarding his own interests.