Congress MLA Demands Return Of State-Led Tipu Jayanti Celebrations, BJP Threatens Mass Protests

Last Updated:December 09, 2025, 09:29 IST

Following years of polarised debate and violent clashes, the BS Yediyurappa-led BJP government had scrapped state-sponsored celebrations immediately upon coming to power in 2019

Congress MLA Vijayanand Kashappanavar. (News18)

The political atmosphere in Karnataka is set to witness a renewed ideological clash as Congress MLA Vijayanand Kashappanavar has officially placed a demand to restart the state-sponsored celebration of Tipu Jayanti.

The proposal has been listed in the legislative assembly’s agenda, where Kashappanavar plans to raise the issue through a Calling Attention Motion to urge the state government to resume the official observances.

The proposal has triggered an immediate and aggressive response from the Opposition. Senior BJP leader and MLC CT Ravi vehemently opposed the move, warning the government of a “Jan Andolana" if they proceed with the celebrations.

Ravi advised MLA Kashappanavar to “learn the true nature of Tipu Sultan" before making such demands. “If you want to celebrate a Jayanti, celebrate the humanist poet Shishunala Sharif. We will not accept the celebration of a bigot," Ravi said. He further accused the Congress government of raising divisive topics like this to divert attention from their administrative failures. “Kannadigas will not stay silent. If Tipu Jayanti is brought back, we will not sit idly by; we will launch a massive public movement," Ravi warned.

Why is Tipu Jayanti Controversial?

The celebration of the 18th-century ruler’s birth anniversary has been a major flashpoint in Karnataka politics for nearly a decade. The tradition of a state-sponsored Tipu Jayanti was introduced by the Siddaramaiah-led Congress government in 2015 to honour Tipu as a freedom fighter and the “Tiger of Mysore" who fought the British. However, the move triggered violent protests, particularly in the Kodagu (Coorg) district, where local communities hold deep historical grievances against the ruler.

Critics, primarily from the BJP and right-wing organisations, view Tipu Sultan not as a hero, but as a tyrant responsible for forced conversions, the destruction of temples, and the persecution of Hindus and Christians in the Malabar and Kodagu regions.

Following years of polarised debate and violent clashes, the BS Yediyurappa-led BJP government scrapped the state-sponsored celebrations immediately upon coming to power in 2019.

With the topic officially on the agenda for the legislative session, the government’s response to Kashappanavar’s demand will be closely watched. The government has earlier clarified that it doesn’t intend to restart the Jayanti.

News politics Congress MLA Demands Return Of State-Led Tipu Jayanti Celebrations, BJP Threatens Mass Protests

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