Amidst tight security in and around Kalamandir in Mysuru, the 268th birth anniversary of Tipu Sultan was celebrated on Friday.
The venue had virtually turned into a fortress, with police personnel deployed in large numbers as a precautionary measure to prevent any untoward incidents. Describing Tipu Sultan “anti-Hindu,” the BJP strongly opposed the celebration, which was organised by the Mysuru district administration, the Department of Kannada and Culture and Tipu Jayantotsava Samithi.
Minister in charge of Mysuru district H.C. Mahadevappa inaugurated the celebration in the presence of MLAs Vasu and M.K. Somashekar, Mayor M.J. Ravi Kumar, historian Boodanur Puttaswamy, Mysuru chapter president of the All India Milli Council Maulana Mohammad Jakaulla and others.
In the inaugural address, the Minister said the Congress government was not celebrating Tipu Jayanti to appease Muslims but in recognition of his patriotism and secular practices. “We should be proud of Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan, who valiantly fought against the British to safeguard the locals and the land,” he noted.
“If Tipu Sultan was anti-Hindu, why almost half of his army had Hindus as soldiers? Why Dewan Poornaiah was holding the responsibility of his administration?” he said.
‘A link between Hindus and Muslims’
The Minister rubbished claims that Tipu Sultan was behind mass conversion of Hindus. He said Tipu Sultan was a freedom fighter and a link between Hindus and Muslims, who wanted to end the British stronghold. He should not be seen based on his religion but as a ruler who introduced many revolutionary steps that are still remembered.
Maulana Jakaulla said Tipu Sultan became a martyr while safeguarding the country. “Like how he fought the British, Hindus and Muslims must jointly fight their common enemies and make the country a heaven for all,” he added.