Tipu Jayanti observed amidst opposition by BJP leaders

The district administration on Saturday successfully organised Tipu Jayanti celebrations at three places in the district in spite of stiff opposition to the same from various quarters.

Fear had gripped the people of Kodagu district for the last one week in the wake of Tipu Jayanti celebrations. With the conclusion of the programme, public, merchants and hotel owners have heaved a sigh of relief.

In Madikeri, Tipu Jayanti programme was organised on the premises of Fort Hall. However, the programme was over within 20 minutes.

MLA M P Appacchu Ranjan and MLC Sunil Subramani arrived on the stage wearing black shirts in protest against the celebration. The duo were followed by BJP City Municipal Council and Zilla Panchayat members, who were also wearing black badges. Even before the commencement of the programme, the BJP leaders objected to Tipu Jayanti leading to confusion and chaos at the venue.

MLC Sunil Subramani was adamant on not to welcome anyone for the programme.

However, Zilla Panchayat Congress member K P Chandrakala, who came near the stage, asked the protesters to allow the celebration of Tipu Jayanti as per government protocol.

This led to an argument between Congress and BJP members. Though DC P I Sreevidya and SP Suman D Pennekar tried to convince the BJP leaders to drop their protest but to no avail. Finally, the programme ended with the arrest of all the protesters.

City Municipal Council president Kaveramma Somanna inaugurated the programme. The programme was restricted to offering floral tribute to the portrait of Tipu, welcome speech and a special lecture.

There was no inaugural and presidential speech. In spite of district administration requesting, Kaveramma Somanna to speak, she did not do so. Soon after the programme, the portrait of Tipu and banners were removed.

CMC member Amin Mohisin said, “We were saddened by the fact that the programme was not held as per the expectation. There was no inaugural speech. The bandh called by various organisations have failed to evoke a good response. By not supporting the bandh call, the public has indirectly supported Tipu Jayanti, which is a good development. It is not right to oppose Tipu Jayanti.”

The absence of District In-charge Minister Sa Ra Mahesh and MLC Veena Acchaiah was very conspicuous.

Tipu Jayanti was also organised at Somvarpet and Virajpet in the district.