Bengaluru: The decision to cancel Tipu Jayanthi celebrations by the newly inducted BJP government is threatening to snowball into a crisis as various organisations, including political parties, have pledged to celebrate it with all fanfare on November 10.
This controversial decision is likely to cause commotion in the city this weekend and throughout the state as well. Massive protests are being planned in Bengaluru and district headquarters to oppose the government decision. They also plan to wage a legal battle.
The BJP government took the decision to cancel the Tipu Jayanthi celebrations within three days of coming to power following a letter by Virajpet MLA K.G. Bopaiah who said the celebrations had led to violence in the past.
With Congress and JD (S) already at loggerheads over the issue against the BJP, they are likely to support these organisations.
“How can you have other Jayanthis and cancel only Tipu Jayanthi. Is it because Tipu is a Muslim?” asks Sardar Ahmad Khureshi, the President of Tippu Sultan United Front. “We have already called a meeting to chalk out plans to oppose the move and discuss legal options,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Socialist Democratic Party of India (SDPI) is planning a massive protest near Town Hall or in Shivajinagar this Friday.
SDPI President Mohammad Shareef said the government does not have the right to question and stop us from celebrating Tipu Jayanthi. “It’s our right, government cannot dictate terms. We will definitely go ahead with the celebrations. Perhaps, this time in a bigger way,” he said.
“Protests have already begun opposing the government’s move. We are holding a massive protest this Friday and more than 3,000 people will gather,” Sharif explained.
He said Tipu Jayanthi is being celebrated since generations irrespective of whether the government sponsors, supports or opposes it. It does not matter if the incumbent government reverses decisions of previous governments, Sharif said.
“If they stop us from celebrating Tippu Jayanthi, we will approach the court of law,” he added.
SDPI, district committee member Wasim Ahmad said, “We will celebrate Tipu Jayanthi. We do not care about what the BJP and Congress say. We will take the legal route and plan to hold agitations. We had not asked Congress to celebrate Tipu Jayanthi.”
He said there are three more months for the government to decide while alleging that BJP had more than a communal agenda.
“If Tipu Sultan had joined hands with Britishers, he would have got the highest position in the country. While, Marathas and Nizams looted temples, it is Tipu who protected the Mysore state. Tipu is a national hero and we will celebrate his anniversary,” Sardar Kureshi uderlined.
