Bengaluru, Nov 17 (Representative) Politics around Tipu Sultan refuses to die down in Karnataka. After Congress leader Tanveer Sait’s plans to erect a statue of the erstwhile Mysuru ruler, state JDS chief CM Ibrahim has joined the row saying he will set up a university after the sultan’s name if his party comes to power. “If JDS comes to power, we will build a university in the name of Tipu Sultan. We will build it in Mysuru or Kolar,” he told reporters on Thursday.This statement by Ibrahim comes following his vitriolic attack on Sait’s comments to erect Tipu’s statue saying that Islam does not permit setting up of a statue as it amounts to idol worshipping.
The JDS leader had also criticised Congress leader and former chief minister Siddaramaiah for starting Tipu Jayanti, which also is prohibited in Islam. Ibrahim also said he had warned of Tipu Jayanti having repercussions without engaging those who would be affected by it. Despite advising against Tipu Jayanti, Siddaramaiah continued to observe it, he said. “There is no statue culture in our religion,” he added. Ibrahim also said a legal action will be taken against a play “Tipu Nijakanavugal’ written by Rangayana director Addanda C Cariappa. He alleged that the play distorts history of Tipu.On November 20, the play will be performed at Bhoomigeetham on the grounds of Rangayana.