A proposal by Karnataka Congress MLA Prasad Abbayya to rename Mysuru Airport after Tipu Sultan has sparked controversy in the state. Abbayya, representing Hubballi-Dharwad (East), suggested the name change during a discussion in the state assembly on renaming airports. The BJP, in opposition, vehemently protested the proposal, framing it within a Hindu vs. Muslim narrative against its icon, V.D. Savarkar.
The historical debate over Tipu Sultan, an 18th-century ruler and opponent of British rule, has been a recurring issue since the Congress government began celebrating his birthday in 2016. The BJP has exploited this topic to polarize voters, with incidents of violence reported over social media posts related to Tipu Sultan.
The BJP’s state leader, Nalin Kateel, intensified efforts to fuel division among voters leading up to the 2023 assembly election. Union Home Minister Amit Shah also criticized the Congress, and clashes occurred before polling, including a confrontation in Yadgir after a traffic signal was renamed after Savarkar.
Historical controversies surrounding Tipu Sultan’s death resurfaced, with some claiming he was killed by two chieftains from the Vokkaliga community. The Vokkaligas, a politically influential group, make up nearly 16% of the state’s population. The BJP has strategically used the Tipu Sultan narrative in previous elections, and the issue remains a contentious point in Karnataka’s political landscape.
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