KARNATAKA

Row after remark on renaming Haj Bhavan

Bengaluru, June 22: A fresh row erupted in Karnataka on Friday after a minister said he would discuss with the chief minister renaming of the “Haj Bhavan” here after Tipu Sultan, an 18th century ruler of the Mysore kingdom.

Minority welfare and wakf minister B. Z. Zameer Ahmad Khan’s statement drew a sharp attack from the BJP which said it would launch a statewide protest against the proposal.

He said that during a recent review meeting of the Haj committee, officials told him there were several requests to change the name of the Haj Bhavan which accommodates Haj pilgrims.

“I said I will discuss ( it) with chief minister and see...,” he said.

The BJP opposed the proposal to rename the Haj Bhavan, saying it was a building for the entire Muslim community and not just for Tipu’s followers.

The saffron party, which opposed celebration of Tipu Jayanthi by the previous Congress dispensation, also claimed that the Yeddyurappa government had given funds for the construction of a new building for the bhavan.