The controversy raging over Tipu Jayanti has taken a curious turn, with a BJP MLA from north Karnataka openly saying that he attended the celebration and that he did not regret his decision.
BJP MLA from Vijayanagar Anand Singh attended the official Tipu Jayanti celebration in Hospet taluk. During the event he said on stage: “I do not wish to speak about the controversy around Tipu. I believe in humanity, and so I have participated in Tipu Jayanti celebrations. People of all religions, including Hindus and Muslims, have red blood in their veins. We should live like brothers, and our goal must be communal harmony.”
The programme was organised around noon, when a riot had broken out in Madikeri in Kodagu district and instances of clashes and protests reported from other districts. The state unit of the BJP had already been protesting against the government for organising the event.
On Tuesday evening, the BJP was planning a protest for Wednesday, against Jnanpith awardee Girish Karnad's remark that the Kempegowda International Airport should be named after Tipu Sultan, who was a freedom-fighter.
Singh was in the news some months ago in connection with a case of illegally transporting iron ore. The Lokayukta had arrested him in April.