'No need for a varsity based on religion'

Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Suresh Kumar said there was no need to set up a university based on religion in the State.

Replying to questions by mediapersons here on Friday, the minister said renowned writers S L Bhyrappa and M Chidanandamurthy have expressed their opinions on the proposal to set up Tipu University.

Added to this, BJP spokesperson G Madhusudhan has made clear the party’s stance on the issue, he said.

The minister said the State government had not received any proposal from the Centre to set up the university. Moreover, when there are so many universities in the State, the motive behind setting up Tipu University gives rise to questions about its necessity.
On writer De Jaware Gowda’s suggestion to name the university after Sir Mirza Ismail instead of Tipu Sultan to avoid controversy, the minister declined to comment.

However, Suresh Kumar said he had immense respect for Sir Mirza Ismail but thought it was not necessary for him to comment as the intention of setting up Tipu University was being questioned.