Bengaluru, Nov 11: Stating that the BJP and RSS were attempting to distort history through a malicious propaganda against 18th century ruler Tipu Sultan, chief minister Siddaramaiah on Thursday alleged that communal parties were trying to spread hatred among communities in the run-up to assembly polls.
Speaking at the Tipu Jayanti celebrations here, Siddaramaiah slammed the BJP for politicizing Tipu for electoral gains. The BJP, RSS and their affiliates have been opposing the event on the ground that Tipu was a religious fundamentalist who killed thousands of Hindus and destroyed several temples. The BJP leaders staged a demonstration in front of Town Hall in Bengaluru opposing the event and declared November 10 as a 'Black Day'.
"Our government is not celebrating Tipu Jayanti to get more votes or to appease the Muslim community. We are only paying tribute to the man who tried to drive the British away. The first Anglo-Mysore war fought against the British by Tipu marks the first war of independence in the country. He could have surrendered to the British like many other kings of his time, but he chose to fight. Tipu is a patriot, a warrior and a secular leader," Siddaramaiah said.
Referring to BJP state president B S Yeddyurappa's claim that he'd ban Tipu Jayanti within 24 hours if his party comes to power, Siddaramaiah said: "This is the same Yeddyurappa who stood before Tipu's tomb in 2012 and praised him for having fought against the British. But today he is calling Tipu a fanatic and anti-Kannada. Shouldn't he be ashamed of himself?"
The CM also charged leader of the opposition in the legislative assembly Jagadish Shettar with hypocrisy. "Shettar, during his stint as the CM, had written a foreword for a book titled, Tipu Sultan: A crusader for change, and lauded Tipu for mooting the concept of nation-state. But today Shettar is criticizing Tipu. The BJP leaders speak in many tongues ," he added
The CM, however, downplayed allegations pertaining to atrocities committed by Tipu. "He acted according to the political principles and requirements of his time. If he was anti-Hindu, why would he give donations to 156 temples? Why would he allow Hindu temples next to his palaces in Srirangapatna and Bengaluru? The British historians wrote everything from their perspective and the BJP is now attempting the same by giving misleading information about Tipu."
The CM said next year, Tipu Jayanti will be celebrated in a more grand manner.
'NOT TO GARNER VOTES'
Nidumamidi Mutt pontiff Channamalla Veerabhadra Swamiji said that Tipu Sultan became a controversy only after the birth of communal forces. Speaking during the government-sponsored celebrations, he said: "Celebrating Tipu Jayanti doesn't mean all Muslims will vote for Congress. Some communal parties are raking up a controversy with an eye on the upcoming polls."
'WHY HOLIDAY?'
Karnataka legislative assembly speaker K B Koliwad suggested the Siddaramaiah government stop declaring holidays for jayantis (commemorations) in the name of eminent personalities. "Declaring holidays is a bad practice. Let government employees participate in the programmes and get to work at 11am instead of going home," Koliwad said.
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