Jagadish Shettar had praise for Tipu Sultan in 2012

HUBBALLI: Even as BJP leaders BS Yeddyurappa, Jagadish Shettar and others are terming Tipu Sultan an anti-national and anti-people, it has come into light that Shettar had written a preface to the special publication ‘Tipu Sultan a Crusader for Change’ by historian Prof B Sheik Ali in English and published by Karnataka Gazetteer Department.

As chief minister in 2012, he wrote: “The modern history of Karnataka covering the period 1782-1799, is known for the significant role played by Tipu Sultan, popularly known as the Tiger of the Mysore Kingdom. His concept of Nation state, his novel idea of State Entrepreneurship, his advanced military skill, his zeal for reforms etc., makes him a unique leader, far ahead of his age”

The then Kannada and culture minister Govind Karjol too had appreciated Tipu for singlehandedly fighting against the British East India Company. Shettar said he doesn’t remember what he’d written. “As CM, I cleared hundreds of files and sent messages to government published books. Tipu Jayanti was a private celebration then. We don’t have any objections to keeping it a private affair. Siddaramaiah made it an issue by making it a government celebration” he added.

Karjol said: “There’s no need for a discussion on that book and our messages. I don’t want to comment on it.”

Historian B Sheik Ali, who lives in Mysuru, said: “The book has taken a political colour; I don’t want to comment.”