The Tipu Jayanti celebrations, which began in 2014 under the Congress government, has been marked by protests and court cases every year. While Tipu Sultan is considered a freedom fighter by the state government, he is considered a religious bigot by the BJP and its affiliates.
The Karnataka government has decided to continue with the practice of celebrating the birth anniversary of Tipu Sultan who was the 18th-century ruler of Mysore, the Jayanti is to be celebrated on November 10 despite huge opposition from the BJP and its associates in the past.
The leadership of Kannada and Culture Minister Jayamala decided after the meeting of a committee of the state government that the state will celebrate Tipu Jayanti on November 10 like it had done in recent years under the Congress government.
Jayamala said this decision would be conveyed to the Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy who will take a final decision on the subject, adding that the opposition BJP would be held responsible in the event of any trouble during Tipu Jayanti celebrations.
“Tipu Jayanti celebrations will be held in the state by the government this year like it has been done in recent years irrespective of protests by any group,” said the Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister G Parameshwara of the Congress.
Parameshwara added that “The BJP raises protests over Tipu Jayanti without reason. Tipu fought against the British and we will ensure that the celebrations are held peacefully irrespective of protests by any group. The decision to celebrate Tipu Jayanti under the aegis of the government was taken a few years ago and this will continue.”