Union Minister Anant Kumar Hegde writes to Karnataka Chief Secretary, asks govt not to invite him for Tipu Jayanthi

With just hardly few days left for Tipu Jayanthi, preparations are on by government to celebrate day that marks birth anniversary of Tipu Sultan. Despite facing flak from opposition, Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy has made his stand clear and said government won't backtrack.

BJP has vehemently opposed move to celebrate Tipu Jayanthi ever since move was proposed by former chief minister Siddaramaiah. Union Minister Anant Kumar Hegde has gone a step ahead and his OSD(Officer on Special Duty) has written to Chief Secretary of Karnataka asking government t to invite him for event.

Abstract of letter:

Union minister Ananth Kumar Hegde condemns Karnataka government's move to celebrate Tipu Jayanthi on vember 10th despite opposition from people. History says that Tipu was anti-Hindu and anti-Kannadiga. Earlier when government had gone ahead with move re were state-wide protests and sporadic incidents of violence was witnessed. It is unfortunate that government still wants to glorify him and we condemn it.

I hereby would like to inform you to t mention my name in invitee's list for Tipu Jayanthi.

Regards, Vijaykumar Torgal (OSD)

Read: 'Pakistan Supporting ir Ally In Karnataka', Alleges BJP After Pak Government Posts Video Tribute To Tipu Sultan

Recently an outfit named Tipu Jayanti Virodhi Horata Samiti had demanded Karnataka government t to celebrate Tipu Jayanthi and warned government of demonstrations. state administration is however t willing to heed to se threats.

Earlier in 2015, two men including a VHP leader died in violence that broke out on Tpiu Jayanthi. But historians remain divided when it comes to debating legacy of Mysuru ruler Tipu Sultan. Former President of India Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam had described Tipu as a 'Hero Of Warfare Rocketry, in his book Wings of Fire.

More recently President Ramnath Kovind too had praised Tipu Sultan as a hero in his speech at Vidhana Soudha when a joint session was convened to mark 60th anniversary of state legislature. As political party's clash over legacy of Tipu Sultan, one hopes that dispute is settled at earliest.