With the upcoming Tipu Jayanti day on 10 November, the Karnataka government has decided to conduct the celebrations amid tight security. For starters, the state government has permitted to celebrate only indoors. The initial preparations like a stage set up were interrupted as G Parameshwara, the Home Minister decided to curb the processions and granted authorisation to commemorate indoors after his meeting with Neelamani S Raju, DG-IGP and Suneel Kumar, Police Commissioner and other high officials. Processions, both against or in favour of Tipu Sultan have been banned, considering the risk that it poses.

Tight security

Parameshwara cautioned to avoid banners and posters outside the venue and in social media as well. The police have deployed additional forces to control and ensure security issues during the celebrations. As reported by The Times of India, G Parameshwara said that the DGP has requested by 10 companies of Rapid Action Force (RAF). Apart from them all the deputy commissioners and Superintendents of Police of all districts have been issued directions to maintain peace and harmony.

Funds for the celebration have been released from the Kannada and Culture department.

Opposition against celebrations

The opposition party has raised issues concerning the celebrations stating Tipu as anti-Kannada and anti- Hindu. The state BJP has urged the government to drop the celebrations altogether and not to stand on prestige or ego.

R Ashok, BJP leader said that the party would host a state-wide protest on November 9, against the government’s vote bank politics in celebrating Tipu. As reported by Deccan Herald, he said, “The celebration is a disservice to the Wadiyar kings of the Yadu dynasty of Mysuru, the Nayakas led by Mandakari Nayaka of Chitradurga, the sacrifice of Onake Obavva of Chitradurga. Tipu was anti-Kannada and a religious fanatic. He introduced Persian in administration in place of Kannada. So, all those who love and respect Kannada should oppose his Jayanti.”

Ananth Kumar Hegde, the Union Minister too has raised an objection on the celebrations. He has also asked not to be invited to events marking this celebration. Parameshwara told media that he had been included as of the protocol and it is his personal decision to attend or ignore, as reported by Financial Express. 

A protest in Chitradurga on Monday raised further oppositions from the Tipu Jayanthi Virodhi Horaata Samithi. Sri Rama Sene protested in front of the deputy commissioner’s office at Kalaburugi. Our previous pages in history also had covered a lot of demonstrations regarding this issue. The HC has decided to hear public litigation against the Tipu Jayanti on the 9th of this month.

Turmoil against Tipu Jayanti

Karnataka CM HD Kumaraswamy confirmed the celebration would continue despite violence and oppositions in previous years.

In the past, Tipu Jayanti celebrations stirred clashes and violence in many districts. Two people at Madikeri died in the procession hosted by Vishwa Hindu Parishad activists in 2015.

The Tipu Jayanti Virodhi Horatta Samiti has condemned even this year. They even filed a public interest litigation last year in the Karnataka High Court, as reported by Daily Pioneer.

Tipu Sultan was the 18th-century ruler of Mysore. His birth anniversary celebrations have been held past three years with a lot of oppositions.

The government’s decision invited flak from the RSS and the BJP terming it as minority appeasement probably holding vote bank politics.

Also Read: Tipu Jayanti Celebrations: What Is The Truth About Tipu Sultan? Was He Secular Or Communal?