Karnataka: Isolated celebrations make for low-key Tipu Jayanti

MYSURU: With the BJP government distancing itself from Tipu Jayanti , the birth anniversary of the controversial Mysuru ruler passed off peacefully on Sunday with no public celebrations in Mysuru, Chamarajanagar, Chikkamagaluru, Shivamogga and Hassan districts.



Some organisations in Mysuru and neighbouring Srirangapatna — the capital of Tipu’s kingdom — gathered to pay tribute to the 18th-century ruler, who’s now in the eye of a storm over his alleged excesses against two communities in Old Mysore region.

Narasimharaja MLA and former minister Tanveer Sait planned the main Tipu tribute in Mysuru, but postponed it as he was waiting for a directive from the Karnataka high court on holding the event. Later, Sait visited Tipu’s tomb in Srirangapatna and paid respects.

Srirangapatna was under a blanket of security for the twin events of Tipu Jayanti and Eid Milad. Hundreds of people from the region offered prayers at the tomb.

In Ghousia Nagar, Basavalinga Swami attended a Tipu Jayanti event. Many organisations, including Social Democratic Party of India, celebrated the day distributing sweets and fruits.