Daijiworld Media Network – Mysuru (EP)
Mysuru, Nov 10: Former chief minister Siddaramaiah hit back at BJP leaders for naming him ‘Siddu Khan’ for having celebrated Tipu Jayanti. He asked if BSY can be called ‘Yeddy Khan’ for having celebrated Tipu Jayanti in the past.
Speaking in the city, he said that BJP leaders Jagadish Shettar and R Ashok also had taken part in Tipu Jayanti programmes. “Please decide as what Khan they should be named,” he shot back.
He said that BJP leaders have two tongues each. “They themselves have celebrated Tipu Jayanti wearing Tipu hat and now calling me as Siddu Khan. Is being in favour of the constitution fanaticism? I am secular. Therefore, BJP has targeted me as they are communal,” he said.
“Our government had asked to stop procession during Tipu Jayanti. They have done just that. The absence of CM Kumaraswamy and DCM Parameshwar was pre-determined. Let there be no special meaning for it,” he said.
‘Look at Tipu by removing the goggles of communalism,’ Siddaramaiah’s advice to BJP
In a series of tweets, Siddaramaiah justified the controversial Tipu Jayanti. “Today is Tipu Jayanti. Let us recall the patriotism, sacrifice and pro people rule of Mysore tiger Tipu Sultan who fought against the British and kindled the fire of freedom in the country,” he stated. He has lashed against BJP for opposing the Tipu Jayanti celebrations.
“BJP had taken part in Tipu Jayanti celebrations and praised Tipu in the past. They have also written a book on him. They themselves are opposing the celebrations now. BJP's stand is self deceptive. Is it not selfish politics to oppose the celebrations by those who took part in Tipu Jayanti when they were in power and wrote a book about him?” he questioned.
“The tradition of celebrating the birth anniversaries of great men and women was not started by our government. Why is opposition that was not seen then, seen now? He asked.
“There is a reason behind celebrations of Jayanti by government. If we leave it to the people, they may celebrate birth anniversaries of only those people who belong to their religions and communities. It will be an insult to great people. The state government is not celebrating the birth anniversary of an individual belonging to a particular religion but of a patriot, secular and pro people king,” he stated.
“There are arguments that Tipu was not a freedom fighter and was a king of a certain region. To which group will those who argue add Kittur Chennamma, Sangolli Rayanna, Veera Sindhoora Laxman, Rani Abbakkadevi and those who fought against the British and laid down their lives?” he asked.
“There was no democracy during the era of Tipu Sultan. His opponents say that he had killed people and looted their property. Tipu was not elected democratically. He was a king. Therefore, he acted in the policies of battle.”
“If his opponents should see real Tipu Sultan, they will have to remove their goggle of communalism. For this they have to read the book written by BJP,” he said.