Karnataka Govt Gears Up For Tipu Jayanthi Amid Uproar From Opposition

Karnataka Deputy CM and Home Minister G Parameshwara held a meeting with top cops and government officials regarding the preparations for Tipu Jayanthi celebrations in the state. Issues regarding security and permission for event were discussed in the meeting.

Following was the outcome of the meeting:

• No procession for or against Tipu Jayanthi will be allowed on Nov 10th 
• The permission to celebrate Tipu Jayanthi is allowed only indoors
• Banners regarding Tipu Jayanthi is not allowed to be posted randomly. Banners can be put up only in and around the venue only
• Provocative messages on social media will be monitored 
• Govt has given instructions to district administrations across the state to celebrate Tipu Jayanthi
• Funds have been released from the Dept of Kannada and Culture to organise events
• Additional 10 RAF companies have been requested and they will be deployed across the state
• Whomsoever tries to disrupt communal harmony will be dealt seriously

The event has been shrouded by controversy ever since it's inception. This year again, the BJP has opposed Tipu Jayanthi celebrations by the Karnataka government. Union minister Anant Kumar Hegde's OSD had written to the chief secretary of Karnataka and informed him not to invite him for the event. The BJP had also raised objections saying that Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy had opposed Tipu Jayanthi celebrations when he was in the opposition.

Briefing the media G Parameshwara had this to say on the issue. "The Karnataka government is taking all necessary precautions to ensure Tipu Jayanthi celebrations go on peacefully. Kumaraswamy made this statement while he was in the opposition and he only represented the JD(S). Now, there is a coalition government so he has to take a call that will be accepted by both the political party's." he said.

The BJP however remains defiant on its stand, with party's spokesperson Prakash saying," The Congress has not learnt any lessons from the poll debacle it suffered recently. They're glorifying Tipu, a tyrant ruler despite many people opposing it. The Congress party's decision does not surprise us. Kumaraswamy had opposed Tipu Jayanthi but this time he too has been forced to accept Congress' demand to save his seat. People will teach a befitting lesson to both the party's."

READ: Union Minister Anant Kumar Hegde Writes To Karnataka Chief Secretary, Asks Govt Not To Invite Him For Tipu Jayanthi

The Congress party has also pointed out that former chief minister and BJP state president BS Yeddyurappa had celebrated Tipu Jayanthi when he had quit BJP and started his own party. Amidst the political war, the Karnataka government seems to have perceived 'Tipu Jayanthi' as a prestige battle.