The appropriate-wing in Karnataka sees Tipu Sultan as a bigoted tyrant who forcefully transformed 1000’s.
Bengaluru:
Karnataka, heading for elections in a matter of months, is embroiled in a recent controversy over Tipu Sultan, the 18th Century ruler whom the BJP has transformed into an election concern. The celebration, which is pitching its icon VD Savarkar towards Tipu Sultan in a battle of notion, just lately made an effort to attract within the politically highly effective Vokkaliga group by upholding claims that it was not the British and Maratha military, however two Vokkaliga leaders who had killed Tipu Sultan. Whereas a distinguished spiritual chief has poured chilly water on the plans, the BJP refuses to step again.
Claims from a piece of individuals within the previous Mysuru belt that Tipu Sultan was killed by the 2 Vokkaliga chieftains Uri Gowda and Nanje Gowda was transformed right into a play based mostly on the e-book Tipu Nijakanasugalu (Actual Desires of Tipu) by Addanda Cariappa.
Although it has been contested by historians, the declare had been backed by some BJP leaders, together with Vokkaliga leaders CT Ravi, the celebration’s nationwide Normal Secretary, and ministers Ashwath Narayan and Gopalaiah.
BJP leaders like Union Minister of State Shobha Karandlaje and Ashwath Narayan are additionally amongst those that declare there’s historic proof about Uri Gowda and Nanje Gowda.
The Vokkaliga group has up to now been supporters of the Congress and the HD Kumaraswamy’s Janata Dal Secular. Leaders of each events keep that Uri Gowda and Nanje Gowda didn’t exist and would possibly simply be fictional characters.
Earlier this week, the state’s Horticulture Minister Munirathna, a producer-turned-politician, introduced a film on the topic. He mentioned his studio was registering “Uri Gowda and Nanje Gowda” because the film’s title.
On Monday, Nirmalanandanatha Mahaswamiji, the chief pontiff of Sri Adichunchanagiri Mahasamsthana Math — extremely regarded by the dominant Vokkaligas — stepped in.
The pontiff has decreed that info, edicts and historic information concerning the alleged killers of Tipu Sultan be gathered and submitted to the mutt, earlier than any choice is taken on this matter.
He additionally met Mr Munirathna, and requested him to not go forward with the venture.
“At a time when there isn’t a readability on the historic background, it’s not proper to make a cinema on the 2 personalities who signify a group,” the Swami was quoted as saying by information company Press Belief of India.
“I’ve additionally informed him (Munirathna) as to why it’s not proper. After realising issues, he mentioned he has no intention to harm anybody and guaranteed he wouldn’t make any effort on this course, not only for now however by no means sooner or later,” he had added.
The minister has mentioned he’s unable to disregard the request.
Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai, who’s battling on many fronts together with corruption prices, seems to have distanced himself from the controversy. “Analysis will present actuality,” Mr Bommai has mentioned.
Requested to touch upon Uri Gowda and Nanje Gowda just lately, State Well being Minister Dr Sudhakar, tongue firmly in cheek, mentioned, “I do know solely the previous PM HD Devegowda”
Forward of the election, a number of BJP leaders have been making provocative feedback on Tipu Sultan targetting the Congress, who, the celebration claims, has been championing the Mysore ruler.
Final month, Karnataka BJP’s chief Nalin Kateel, identified for his controversial feedback, appealed to folks to “kill” all “ardent followers” of Tipu Sultan. The descendants of Tipu Sultan, he has declared, must be chased out and despatched to forests.
The appropriate-wing within the state sees Tipu Sultan as a bigoted tyrant who forcefully transformed 1000’s. However his delivery anniversary was celebrated for 2 consecutive years by the erstwhile Siddaramaiah authorities, which noticed him as one of many earliest freedom fighters.
Meeting elections are due on 224 seats on Karnataka in April-Could, by which the BJP is hoping to win a second straight time period in energy.
