Representational image of Tipu Sultan.
Even as Sangh Parivar outfits in Karnataka have threatened to disrupt the first ever government celebration of 18th century king Tipu Sultan's birthday on November 10, RSS today described him as "the most intolerant ruler" and lent its support to protesters of the event.
"Majority of the people are opposed to it - Tipu was the ruler of Mysore - it's okay, but at the same time he was the most intolerant king. It has been recorded by history, not by RSS. On his sword it is clearly mentioned, it is meant to kill kafirs," Kshetreeya Sanghachalak of RSS for Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, V Nagaraj told reporters in Bengaluru.
Sangh Parivar outfits have decided to stage demonstrations that day. Vishwa Hindu Parishad on its part has threatened to disrupt the event.
Mr Nagaraj claimed people in Karnataka are opposed to the celebrations as many historians have recorded the treatment meted out to people during his tyrannical rule.
"Historians in Karnataka also have written how he had treated people of Chitradurga, Mangaluru and mid-Karnataka. So, naturally people are opposing it," he said.
To a query, Mr Nagaraj said RSS would not hold demonstrations, but support protesters and agitators.
On the VHP's threat to disrupt the programme, he said "This question should be asked to VHP."