B S Yediyurappa government cancels Tipu Jayanti, angers Congress

BENGALURU: Karnataka chief minister B S Yediyurappa on Tuesday cancelled celebrations of Tipu Jayanti as a state event, reversing a decision taken by the Siddaramaiah government - and continued by the JD(S)-Congress coalition government - to mark the birth anniversary of the Tiger of Mysuru with state pomp and fervour.
When the Siddaramaiah government had taken the decision to celebrate Tipu Jayanti, BJP and right-wingers had opposed the move as they regarded the erstwhile sultan of Mysore as a "religious bigot".
In the official order issued on Tuesday, Yediyurappa stated he had received a letter from Virajpet MLA KG Bopaiah asking him to consider cancelling celebrations, which is organised every year by the Kannada and culture department on November 10.
Bopaiah, along with two other legislators - Appachu Ranjan and his brother MLC Sunil Subramani - had also met Yediyurappa at his home office Krishna on Tuesday to discuss the issue. In his letter, Bopaiah claimed the celebrations had led to violence in the past, especially in Kodagu.
During the first official celebration in 2015, widespread protests and violence broke out in Kodagu district, where Tipu is regarded as a traitor by many. A Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) worker named Kuttappa had died during the skirmishes during the inaugural celebrations.
Speaking to reporters after a meeting with officials of the Kannada and culture department and with the Kodagu legislators, Yediyurappa said: "The MLAs submitted a petition stating there was violence during celebrations in the past and such incidents should not be repeated. After a discussion in the cabinet, it was decided Tipu Jayanti should not be celebrated from here on and a government order has been issued to this effect."
Yediyurappa's decision - which comes within three days of BJP coming to power in the state -drew strong criticism from Congress leaders, who called it a "criminal act".
"If you ask me, what the BJP has decreed is a criminal act," Siddaramaiah, leader of the opposition in the assembly, said.
"Tipu is not only a minority icon but a national hero, who fought for the erstwhile Mysore kingdom. He is a true patriot. It [the decision] is pure criminal."
Siddaramaiah claimed Tipu was the first to lay the foundation stone for the Krishnaraja Sagar (KRS) reservoir in Mysuru and said it was laid only with the motive of development.
"We celebrated Tipu Jayanti because we respected the ruler who fought the British raj," Siddaramaiah said. "By cancelling state celebrations, the BJP is only displaying their hatred to minorities. I strongly condemn this."
However, BJP MLAs welcomed the decision, saying it will help in bringing down large-scale violence.
"If Congress leaders want to, they can continue celebrating Tipu Jayanti," said BJP state general secretary CT Ravi. "By doing so, and backing Tipu, the Congress is as good as lending credence to forcible conversion which the cruel ruler of Mysore had indulged in."
Thinkers condemn move
The decision to cancel Tipu Jayanti has invited the wrath of activists, rationalists and progressive thinkers who want the government to continue with the event as they say Tipu was a social reformer and freedom fighter.
“Tipu’s contribution to the state is invaluable. He is a role model for all administrators. The new government’s meddling with cultural decisions taken by previous governments will send a wrong signal to the society,” said Aravind Malagatti, former president, Karnataka Sahitya Academy.
K S Shivaramu, president, Karnataka State Backward Classes Forum, pointed out that Tipu is the real role model. “He is the man who initiated land reforms and empowered disadvantaged sections of society. The The celebrations must continue,” he said.