Kodagu shuts down over Tipu Jayanthi, protests across State

BJP's State President B S Yeddyurappa led the protests in Bengaluru as hundreds of BJP, RSS and Sangh parivar workers gathered at Town Hall sloganeering against Tipu Sultan

Protests were witnessed in Mysuru, Bengaluru, Hubli and Kodagu over Tipu Jayanthi celebrations by the Congress Government. Right wing organisations had given a call for Kodagu Bandh on Thursday which has been complete.

BJP's State President B S Yeddyurappa led the protests in Bengaluru as hundreds of BJP, RSS and Sangh parivar workers gathered at Town Hall sloganeering against Tipu Sultan and condemning the government for celebrating him. Protestors sported black bands as mark of opposition.

Mysuru-Kodagu MP and BJP leader Pratap Simha led the protests in Mysuru with a sit-in protest outside the DC's office. The protesters were soon detained by the police citing preventive measures.

Shops and establishments downed shutters today while bus services to Virajpet of Kodagu was stopped. Protesters chopped down trees overnight blocking roads in various localities of Kodagu. BJP leaders were detained by Kodagu police as preventive measure. "We have taken MLAs Appachu Ranjan and K G Bopaiah and MLC Subramani into preventive custody. Action being taken under rule 71 Karnataka Police Act", said P Rajendraprasad, SP, Kodagu.

Protests were also held in Hubli, Kolar and other districts. The BJP had declared to observe Tipu Jayanthi as Black Day and had called for all district units to protest with black flags.

The government, however, went ahead with Tipu Jayanthi celebrations with the Chief Minister presiding over an event celebrating Tipu in Vidhana Soudha. Some Congress leaders addressing the media help up pictures of B S Yeddyurappa being falicitated at a Tipu Jayanthi festival previously.

The government had taken eleborate security measures anticipating chaos over Tipu Jayanthi celebrations. Apart from State police force, 7 companies of RAF has been deployed. 1 unit of Kerala police has been deployed in Dakshin Kannada after last year's incidents of violence. CCTV cameras have been installed at sensitive locations and additional check posts have been set up as part of security enhancement measures.

OneIndia News