Three days into power, BJP government scraps 'Tipu Jayanti'

Bengaluru: The BJP government in Karnataka has scrapped Tipu Jayanti celebrations to observe the birth anniversary of Tipu Sultan, the 18th century ruler of the erstwhile Mysuru kingdom.

The November 10 observance was introduced by the Siddaramaiah government in 2015, but right wing groups and the BJP have since opposed it. The celebrations were organised under tight police security due to clashes and violence reported in 2015.

Chief minister Yediyurappa said the decision to cancel observation of Tipu Jayanti was taken to avoid clashes in the name of celebrations.


“The state cabinet has decided to cancel Hazarat Tipu Sultan Jayanti with immediate effect,” a government order said. Kodagu MLA KG Bopaiah of the BJP had in a letter to the CM had said that Tipu Jayanti had resulted in protests in Kodagu and people in his district were opposed to the celebrations.

“Protests have resulted in damage of government property and disruption of communal harmony,” his petition said. Siddaramaiah reacted to the news by saying it was “wrong and a big mistake. Tipu was not recognised just because he is from the minority community but because of his contribution as a ruler. He fought bravely against British and had initiated development,” Siddaramaiah said.

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