In Karnataka VHP calls for bandh after row over Tipu Sultan birth anniversary celebrations

The Vishwa Hindu Parishad called a bandh on Friday and are holding protests in Karnataka against the government’s decision to celebrate Tipu Sultan’s birth anniversary.

Two persons were killed in the protests over the issue this week. Playwright Girish Karnad as well as BJP’s Mysuru MP Pratap Simha have received death threats for praising Tipu Sultan.The skirmishs broke out between VHP activists and a Muslim group following which the police had to resort to lathi-charge to control the situation.

A complaint was filed at the Vidhana Soudha police station here against Jnanpith Award winner Girish Karnad for his ‘provocative’ remark on naming the Bengaluru international airport after city founder Kempe Gowda, on charges that the comment has allegedly hurt the sentiments of certain sections of society.

“I feel that if Tipu Sultan was a Hindu and not a Muslim he would have attained the position in Karnataka that Shivaji Maharaj enjoys in Maharashtra. Kempegowda was never a freedom fighter. Still, the Bengaluru International airport has been named against him. Instead, it should have been named against Tipu Sultan,” Karnad had said.

Karnad had earlier apologised for his remarks saying he did not intend to hurt anyone as he was only expressing his opinion about Tipu Sultan on his birth anniversary.People of Karnataka respect Tipu Sultan as he opposed the colonial rulers.

All over, protest demonstrations were held and rallies were taken out against him in many cities and towns across Karnataka.