BJP MLA wants Tipu removed from textbooks, JDS says 'narrow ideology'

BJP MLA from Madikeri, Appachu Ranjan, has written a letter to the education department of Karnataka asking to remove references to Tipu Sultan from textbooks in schools and colleges. While the State Government has so far remained non-committal on this issue, the JDS has hit out against the BJP, calling the demand a manifestation of its narrow ideology. Ranjan who hails from Kodagu, the hilly district which often witnesses the most extreme resistance to celebrating Tipu, has called the former Mysuru ruler a bigot and a tyrant, urging the State Government to expose ‘his true colours’.

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BJP MLA demands Tipu Sultan references to be scrapped

Annexed with the letter is a dossier of what Ranjan claims are historical documents that highlight the ‘misdeeds’ of Tipu. It reportedly contains narration of episodes where under his rule, Tipu forced many Hindus and Christians to convert to Islam. 

The Minister for Primary and Secondary Education, S Suresh Kumar, has refrained from commenting on the row stating that he is yet to receive the letter and will make an informed comment only after studying its contents. However, the BJP MLA intends to petition the Chief Minister if he does not get a favourable response from the education department. 

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The opposition parties have lambasted the BJP, accusing them of vilifying a great freedom fighter. Speaking to Republic, JDS national spokesperson Tanveer Ahmed said:

"This shows the narrow ideology and lack of information of BJP who is just governed by the RSS ideology. Tipu is a historical character who ruled Karnataka in the city of Srirangapatna and whose contribution has historical relevance. If you only see it from the perspective of controversy, it shows that you are of a small mentality. I truly condemn this because the children of this country deserve to know about the history. Tipu was a great freedom fighter and they have failed to see his contribution and see only what suits them. I appeal to the CM and Education Minister that people deserve to know about Tipu and his legacy should be promoted and propagated."

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Appachu Ranjan faces resistance

Resistance to the letter by Appachu Ranjan has also come from other quarters with several academicians and pro-Kannada activists calling this move an attempt to rewrite history. Vatal Nagaraj, who has been a vocal proponent of Tipu, said:

"We strongly condemn this letter and the intentions behind it. Tipu was a brave soldier, a freedom fighter, and more importantly, a proud Kannadiga. Attempts to erase him from history will not be tolerated."

The BJP Government in Karnataka had ceased celebrations of Tipu Jayathi just days after it came to power. However, this appeal to completely expunge textbooks of references to Tipu has received mixed reactions in the party. While most leaders have chosen to not yet opine on the issue publicly, several of them have started raising questions about the message this would give.

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