Dalits Among Tipu Sultan’s Admirers: Descendant Calls for State Responsibility in Organizing Tipu Jayanti

Kalaburagi – Highlighting the diverse admiration for Tipu Sultan across communities, including Dalits, Sahebzada Syed Mansoor Ali Tipu, a descendant of the erstwhile Mysuru ruler, urged the Karnataka government to take responsibility for organizing Tipu Jayanti celebrations across the state.

Speaking at a press conference in Kalaburagi, he expressed disappointment over the government's reluctance to host the annual event. “The state government is not organizing Tipu Jayanti celebrations. The government must ensure that such an important commemoration takes place,” he said.

Sahebzada Syed Mansoor Ali Tipu pointed out that various organizations have not been granted permission to celebrate Tipu Jayanti. He lauded Congress MLA Vijayanand Kashappanavar for organizing a grand event in Ilkal town of Bagalkot district but criticized the lack of similar initiatives in the Kalyana Karnataka region.

He emphasized that Tipu Sultan’s admirers extend far beyond the Muslim community, including Dalits and people from other marginalized groups. “This is not just about one community. Tipu Sultan is admired by Dalits and others as well. The government must ensure the celebrations are organized properly. If not, we will launch intense protests in the coming days,” he warned.

Sahebzada further alleged that the funds generated through the Archaeology Department and the Waqf Board under Tipu Sultan’s name were not being utilized effectively. “The government earns crores through these departments, but the funds are mismanaged. Celebrating Tipu Jayanti is essential to honor his legacy,” he stated.

He revealed that an appeal had been made to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and the Minister for Minority Affairs, urging them to intervene.

Tipu Jayanti was initiated by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah during his first tenure in Karnataka, despite staunch opposition from the BJP. The event has often sparked controversy, with the BJP labeling Tipu Sultan as a “religious fanatic” responsible for forced conversions and massacres, while the Congress defends him as a valiant freedom fighter who sacrificed his life for the country.

In 2019, the BJP government under B.S. Yediyurappa discontinued the official celebration of Tipu Jayanti.

Despite these controversies, Sahebzada Syed Mansoor Ali Tipu reiterated that the ruler’s legacy is cherished by many, and called for a united effort to commemorate his contributions.