Before the Karnataka assembly elections, state BJP president Nalin Kumar Kateel has created a new controversy by giving another statement. The Karnataka BJP chief, known for his controversial comments, has appealed to the people to “kill” all “followers” of Tipu Sultan, the 18th century ruler of Mysore. He announced that the descendants of Tipu Sultan should be driven out and sent to the forests.
Right wingers in the state see Tipu Sultan as a ruthless tyrant who forcibly converted thousands of people. But, his birth anniversary was celebrated for two consecutive years by the previous Congress government led by Siddaramaiah, who hailed him as one of the earliest freedom fighters.
Addressing a rally in support of the BJP, Kateel said that…
“We are devotees of Lord Rama, Lord Hanuman. We pray and worship Lord Hanuman, and we are not descendants of Tipu. Let’s send Tipu’s descendants back home. I ask the people here, are you Lord Hanuman Or worship Tipu. Will you then send to the jungle those who are staunch followers of Tipu? Think about it. Do you think this state needs Lord Hanuman devotees or descendants of Tipu? I am issuing a challenge – those who are staunch followers of Tipu should not survive on this fertile land” –
Nalin Kumar Kateel, President, Karnataka BJP.
Karnataka BJP chief Nalin Kumar Kateel said, ” Do you think this state requires Lord Hanuman devotees or descendants of Tipu? I am issuing a challenge — those who are ardent followers of Tipu should not remain alive on this fertile soil”
Tipu Sultan vs Hanuman debate
Indeed, the Mysore rulers have become a polarizing element in Karnataka. The Tipu Sultan vs Hanuman debate was started by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath ahead of the 2018 elections in Karnataka. Hitting out at the Congress at one of his election rally, Yogi Adityanath had said that Karnataka was the “land of Hanuman” which was ruled by the erstwhile Vijayanagara Empire.
He said it was unfortunate that the Congress, “instead of worshiping Hanuman and Vijayanagara, was worshiping Tipu Sultan. If Karnataka rejects the Congress in one go, no one else will come to worship Tipu Sultan”.
Earlier this month, Kateel had courted controversy by claiming that the upcoming assembly elections in the state were about “Tipu vs Savarkar”. He had said that “the Congress allowed the celebration of Tipu Jayanti, which was not required and spoke disparagingly about Savarkar.”
Assembly elections for 224 seats are due in Karnataka in April-May, with the BJP hoping to win a second term in power.
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