: The Karnataka government Monday decided to celebrate "Tipu Jayanti" to mark the birth anniversary of controversial 18th-century ruler of erstwhile Mysore kingdom, Tipu Sultan, bringing the state under a thick security blanket, amid threats of protest by theBJP.
The state BJP, meanwhile, has urged the government to drop its decision to celebrate Tipu Jayanti and not to stand on "prestige" or "ego".
Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara, who held a meeting with senior officials about the celebrationson November 10, said Deputy Commissioners andSuperintendents of Police of all districts had been directed to organise eventsand funds for it have been released from the Kannada andCulture department.
"To maintain security,the DGP (Director General of Police) has requested for 10 companies of Rapid Action Force,as 10 battalions of Karnataka State Reserve Police have beensent for the Chhattisgarh polls. Deputy Commissioners and Superintendents of Police of all districts have beenissued specific directions," he said.
Parameshwara, who also holds the Home portfolio, said strict action would be taken against anyone causing riots or disturbing the peace.
"At no cost will we allow peace to be disturbed in the state. No processions will be allowed, either in favour or against...we will not permit.
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Jayanti celebration events shouldbe organised indoors and posters and banners would be allowed there only, he said, adding that social media postings would alsobe monitored and action taken if they were derogatory.
The Deputy Chief Minister Minister also said that the event venue in Bengaluru has been shifted from the Vidhana Soudha,the seat of the state legislature, to Ravindra Kalakshetra, on advice from the police department, citing security grounds.
This will be first such celebration of 'Tipu Jayanti' after Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy led Congress-JD(S) coalition government came to power in the state.
The previous Congress government, led by Siddaramaiah, began celebrating "Tipu Jayanti" on November 10 every year since 2015, amid stiff opposition by the BJP, several Hindu organisations and some individuals.
Widespread protests and violence had marredthe celebrations during the first two years.
Calling Tipu a "religious bigot", state BJP Chief B S Yeddyurappa said the people's sentiments and emotions against him are strong and widespread, and it is the duty of the government to honour their sentiments.
Taking strong exception to Parameshwara's statement that the government would take action againstthose who oppose Tipu Jayanthi celebrations, he said "We haveevery right to oppose what is blatantly a wrong decision andthat which is against the people's wishes."
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