Tipu was 'Aurangzeb' of South, says 'Panchjanya'

New Delhi, Nov 23: Highly critical of Karnataka government's decision to celebrate Tipu Jayanti to "appease" minorities, an article in 'Panchjanya' described him as 'Aurangzeb' of South who "forcibly" converted lakhs of people.

Citing an eminent sage's advice, articles in 'Organiser' suggested that government should steer clear of birth anniversaries of controversial personalities like Tipu and instead celebrate jayantis of Muslim personalities like Maulana Abul Kalam Azad and Sir Mirza Ismail, who was the Dewan of princely Mysore (and later Jaipur and Hyderabad).

"Tipu has been a controversial figure. The sole purpose of celebrating Tipu's jayanti was to polarise Muslim votes. It has triggered heated debate between his sympathisers and those opposing him. "

Hindu organisations claim that Tipu was not a secular, but an intolerant and tyrannical ruler. He was the Aurangzeb of South, who converted lakhs of people forcibly and was responsible for bringing down a large number of temples," said an article in pro-RSS publication 'Panchjanya'.

"There is a clear political angle as to why the Siddaramaiah Government sponsored Tipu Jayanti. It is plain even to the most obtuse mind that it was aimed at wooing the Muslims," said an article 'Creating false icons' in 'Organiser', brought out by RSS sympathisers.

It was also critical of Siddaramaiah, saying he came to power sidelining hardcore Congress leaders calling himself the champion of the minorities, backward classes and the dalits. "He is the Karnataka version of Mulayam Singh Yadav or Lalu Prasad Yadav.

A newcomer to the Congress, he is more of a Janata Dal politician. While blaming the BJP as being communal and anti-secular, Siddaramaiah has not hesitated to use the name of Hindu deities to gain political mileage," it said.

Another article 'Pseudo tolerance' in another pro-RSS publication said, "Four precious lives including that of a Vishwa Hindu Parishad leader were lost in Karnataka, while scores injured as Karnataka Government went ahead with its 'ambitious' programme of appeasing the minority community."

It further said,"While people questioned the need to organise the Jayanti for a king known more for his bigotry than tolerance, more for barbarianism than development, the state government had only one agenda -- to appease the minority community."

It also said, "Congress, which claims to 'preach the mantra of tolerance', failed to understand the pulse of tolerant majority. "The Hindus had requested the government for a holiday on Gowri festival which it rejected. However, the same government had no regrets for loss of lives as the Chief Minister openly defended the action."

PTI