‘BJP opposing Tipu as he is Muslim’

Tipu was the first freedom fighter of the country. He has fought for the country, said District Wakf Advisory Committee president Atheek Khaisar.

He was speaking during the Tipu Jayanti celebrations, organised by the district administration, at Kuvempu Kalamandira in Chikkamagaluru on Saturday.

“Tipu had handed over his sons as hostages to the British. The sacrifice of Tipu will be known only by reading the history.”

BJP leaders are opposing Tipu because he is a Muslim. The BJP is trying to divide the society on the basis of caste and creed, he alleged.

Retired lecturer B Tipperudrappa said, “Those who term Tipu as religious bigot should make an in-depth study on him. It is not right to oppose something for the sake of it. One should not sow the seeds of hatred among the people,” he added.

“If Tipu was a religious fanatic, then Gangadhareshwara Temple attached to Lal Mahal Palace in Srirangapattana would have been plundered by him. Even Sri Ranganatha Temple would have been destroyed by him,” he said.

Tipu was not anti-Hindu. He had protected Sringeri Mutt and had offered ornaments to Goddess Sharada. He had even offered a silver palanquin to Sringeri seer, he said.

Tipu Jayanti was observed amid tight security and the public was allowed inside the hall only after a thorough check by the police. Deputy Commissioner M K Srirangaiah presided over it.