Karnataka celebrates Tipu anniversary
Karnataka yesterday celebrated the 269th birth anniversary of erstwhile Mysore (Mysuru) ruler Tipu Sultan amid protests by the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party, an official said.
“Tipu Jayanti was celebrated peacefully on his birth anniversary under tight security despite protests by BJP leaders and cadres in the state,” a Culture Department official told IANS.
Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy of the Janata Dal -Secular and Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara of the Congress were conspicuously absent at the main event, held in the legislative building.
“Kumaraswamy is unable to attend the function as he is taking rest on doctor’s advice,” said a statement from the chief minister’s office, explaining his absence and denying that he kept away due to the fear of losing power.
Parameshwara also could not be present as he was out of the country.
“Parameshwara could not be present as he flew to Singapore to visit our ailing party leader Chennigappa, who is undergoing treatment at a private hospital there,” Water Resources Minister and Congress leader D K Shivakumar told reporters after inaugurating the event.
Congress ministers, including Jayamala, Zameer Khan, U T Khader and party legislator Roshan Baig also participated in the event.
JD-S ministers, however, kept away from the day-long statesponsored celebrations, held in all district headquarters, including Ballari, Mysuru, Kodagu, Mangaluru, Raichur and Hubbali.
The eldest son of Sultan Hyder Ali, Tipu (1750-1799) is also hailed as the “Tiger of Mysore” for fighting the British East India Company’s advances and protecting his kingdom.