Unaware of Karnataka BJP’s politics, President of India praises Tipu Sultan

Bengaluru, Oct 25: It was another face-palm for Karnataka unit of Bharatiya Janata Party which is trying to demonize legendary Mysuru ruler Tipu Sultan for political reasons. President of India Ram Nath Kovind, who also hails from Sangh Parivar, on Wednesday recalled the contributions of the martyred king and called him a hero, who had incorporated the latest technology for warfare. 

Addressing the legislators in the Karnataka assembly at a joint session to mark the diamond jubilee celebrations of Vidhan Soudha the president said: "Tipu Sultan was at the forefront of the fight against the British, who changed the course of development in the state. Tipu used Mysuru rockets in warfare, which was later adopted by the Europeans.” 

Recalling the contributions of former Mysuru and Karnataka rulers, soldier, politicians and scientists in the growth of the state and the country on the whole, the President spoke of Tipu.

Congress members thumped the desks as the President mentioned Tipu’s name, much to the embarrassment of the BJP members, who have been opposing the Tipu Jayanti celebrations organised by the government on November 10.

The President's words on Tipu Sultan come just few days after Union Minister Anant kumar Hegde, a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader, had called Tipu a "brutal killer, wretched fanatic and mass rapist". Hegde, who is infamous for his uncultured remarks, in the past, had stated that Islam should be wiped out from the world. He also had thrashed a doctor inside a hospital in his constituency.

The ruling Congress in the state began celebrating Tipu's birth anniversary since 2015, which led to violent protests by the Sangh Parivar in the Mysuru region and other parts of the state. The BJP in the state has been opposing the celebrations calling Tipu "anti-Hindu and anti-Kannada".

Known as the 'Tiger of Mysuru' throughout the world, Tipu Sultan ruled the Mysore kingdom from 1782-1799 succeeding his father Haider Ali.

Also Read: Karnataka is a mini-India; people come here for knowledge and jobs: President