Tipu Jayanti: BJP workers protest against Tipu Jayanti celebrations; many detained by police

Tipu Sultan's birth anniversary celebrations have once again led to protests in Karnataka. 

The Congress began observing Tipu Jayanti on November 10 since 2015. And, like every year, the Bharatiya Janata Party has opposed the government-sponsored celebration, saying that the Tiger of Mysore killed hundreds of Hindus and Muslims during his rule.

Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy is keeping a distance from the whole controversy. An official statement says that he is currently on bed rest under doctor's orders and has no official engagements till November 11. 

"There was a time (long ago) whn @siddaramaiah was respected as a leader n administrator - now hes reduced to this. - a sad pathetic leader trying desperatly to corner some vote bank or the other aftr hvng barely scraped thru his elections,(sic)" BJP MP Rakesh Chandrasekhar tweeted. 

"Tipu's progressive measures in administration, his quest for innovation are commendable," says Karnataka chief minister HD Kumaraswamy. However, he could not attend the celebrations due to bed rest ordered by the doctors. 

The former Karnataka chief minister tweeted, "We are opposing Tipu Jayanti celebration. Nobody will appreciate this celebration. In the interest of the state, state govt must stop it. Government's intention behind Tipu Jayanti celebration is just to satisfy Muslim community."

Karnakata Minister DK Shivakumar arrived at Vidhana Soudha to attend the Tipu Jayanti celebrations. While the Congress-JD(S) alliance is for celebrating Tipu's birth anniversayr, the BJP vehemently opposed it citing the 18th century ruler's intolerance towards Hindus. 

BJP workers were arrested in Davangere after they tried to disrupt a program by getting onto the podium. 

The workers were led by District BJP president, Yeshwanth Rao Jadhav, reports Firstpost. 

The Bharatiya Janata Party compared Tipu Sultan and the congress, commenting on how similar they are. The BJP said that both targetted Hindus, killed them and suppressed them. 

"While Cong-JDS govt is celebrating a tyrant Tippu, the CM himself goes into hiding, what is the point of celebrating a fanatic when CM himself abandons a govt function. Glorifying a mass murderer just for vote bank clearly shows mindset of this govt," tweets Karnataka BJP. 

Security has been increased at Tipu Sultan's tomb located at Gumbaz mausoleum at Srirangapatna. 

However, celebrations are underway at Tipu's summer palace in Bengaluru. 

Karnataka Minority Welfare Minister BZ Zameer Ahmed Khan meets former CM Siddaramaiah at his residence in Bengaluru on Saturday. 

Security was increased in Madikeri on Saturday morning ahead of the Tipu Jayanti celebrations. Earlier, a shutdown was called in the town by various organisations including the BJP. 

"We have taken all precautionary measures. If somebody violates law and order, the police will take strict action," " Deputy Commissioner of Kodagu PI Srividya told news agency ANI.