Bengaluru: Hundreds of BJP workers protesting against celebration of Tipu Jayanthi by the Karnataka Government on November 10 courted arrest across the state, even as the preparations are in full swing by the State government for the celebration.
BJP workers picketed and shouted slogans against JD(S)-Congress government across Karnataka. In the State Capital the agitation was led by senior BJP leader and former Deputy Chief Minister R Ashok. Similar protests were held in all District headquarters. At Madikeri in Kodagu District, where violence was witnessed during the same event during 2016 and 2017, former Legislative Assembly Speaker K G Boppaiah condemned the State government move to go ahead and celebrate Tipu Jayanthi against the interests of Kodagu people as the 19th century warrior king Tipu Sultan had guilty of murder of thousands of people in Kodagu.
Addressing the agitators, former Deputy Chief Minister and senior BJP leader K S Eshwarappa alleged that the State government is admant about celebration despite strong protest from all sections of the people in the Society. "Tipu is a traitor, he had killed thousands of Hindus and Christians. He harboured anti-Hindu sentiments and forced religious conversations. The Tipu Jayanti celebration by the government is only to appease Muslims and it should be condemned," he said.
"Mr H D Kumarasamy during election campaign had assured that he will not allow Tipu Jayanthi celebration if he becomes Chief Minister, but now he is heading the State and under pressure from coalition partner Congress the celebration was held against his assurance," he added.
Elaborate security has been made through out the State to maintain law and order. Since KSRP platoons were sent for election duty in five States, the State government has deployed Rapid Action Force (RAF) to maintain law and order.
Authorities have clamped Prohibitory orders under section 144 CrPC in entire Kodagu District, besides in Srirangapatna and parts of Mysuru for two days from today as a precautionary measure. Taking out processions in support or against the celebrations, assembly of more than five persons, carrying arms and lethal weapons was banned under the section had been banned, official sources said.
Interestingly, chief minister H D Kumaraswamy will not be taking part in the celebrations organised at Banquet Hall in Vidhana Soudha. Only the names of Congress leaders including deputy chief minister G Parameshwara figures in the invitation printed by the state government.(UNI)
