Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge Defends Legacy of Tipu Sultan Amid BJP Criticism
Karnatakas Priyank Kharge asserts Tipu Sultans contributions to history cannot be erased, responding to BJPs stance on his legacy.
Bengaluru, November 10 (Daily Kiran) : Karnataka’s Home Minister Priyank Kharge emphasized on Tuesday that the contributions of Tipu Sultan to the state cannot be overlooked, asserting that history cannot be erased. His comments come in response to the BJP’s criticism regarding the celebration of Tipu Sultan Jayanti and the removal of chapters related to the Mysore ruler from school textbooks.
Kharge stated, “You cannot erase Tipu Sultan’s contributions to the state. Whether you like it or not, history cannot be wiped away.” He addressed a memorandum submitted to Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar by the Tehreek-e-Khudadaad organization, which called for the reinstatement of government celebrations for Tipu Sultan Jayanti and the restoration of related content in school curricula.
The minister highlighted that Tipu Sultan fought four Anglo-Mysore Wars against the British, who feared him greatly. He noted, “These are historical facts that neither he nor the BJP can change.”
Kharge accused the RSS of not participating in significant historical movements like the freedom struggle, the Civil Disobedience Movement, and the Quit India Movement. He recalled that when B.S. Yediyurappa was the Chief Minister, the BJP opposed the celebration of Tipu Sultan Jayanti, despite Yediyurappa praising Sultan in his book.
He further claimed that the BJP exploits minority issues for political gain, stating that while the party seeks minority support during elections, its stance shifts afterward.
Referencing historical sites, Kharge mentioned that Lalbagh in Bengaluru was developed by Hyder Ali and later expanded by Tipu Sultan. He questioned whether the BJP aims to erase such historical contributions.
Kharge humorously referred to the BJP’s understanding of history as being akin to “WhatsApp University,” asserting that the government would make a proper decision regarding the memorandum.
Regarding the recent recovery of 44,250 cartridges during inter-state raids in Bihar and Haryana, Kharge suggested that inquiries should be directed to Union Home Minister Amit Shah. He noted that these cartridges were reportedly linked to a Pune ordnance factory and questioned who was responsible for their distribution. He claimed that some of those arrested were associated with the RSS and asked if the organization would disavow them.
On the BJP’s criticism of the National Defense Training Program for minorities, Kharge stated that various departments regularly conduct such programs for different communities. He explained that the social welfare department runs initiatives for Scheduled Castes and Tribes, while the minority welfare department organizes training for minorities.
Kharge challenged the BJP’s objections to training programs that prepare citizens for military recruitment, asserting that the government does not require the BJP’s permission to run such initiatives. He clarified that the aim of the program is to prepare citizens for recruitment into the Indian Army, not for private entities like the RSS. “If we do not train our own citizens, then who will?” he asked.
