AMN /
The Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) has called for a state wide bandh in Karnataka tomorrow following tension in the state over the birth anniversary celebrations of the 18th century Mysore ruler Tipu Sultan.
On Tuesday, a VHP activist was killed in Madikeri town in Kodagu district of Karnataka during the birth-anniversary celebrations of Tipu Sultan, which led to a violent clash between two groups.
The clashes broke out between VHP activists and another group following which the police had to resort to lathi-charge and bursting of tear gas shells to control the situation.
Earlier, a complaint was filed at the Vidhana Soudha police station in Bengaluru against the Jnanpith Award winner Girish Karnad for his remark on naming the Bengaluru international airport after Tipu Sultan, It was charged that Mr. Karnad comment has allegedly hurt the sentiments of certain sections of society. The airport has been named after Kempe Gowda, the founder of Bengaluru.
Karnad had earlier apologised for his remarks saying he did not intend to hurt anyone as he was only expressing his opinion about Tipu Sultan on his birth anniversary.
However, protest demonstrations were held and rallies were taken out against him in many cities and towns across Karnataka.
BJP demands CM Siddaramaiah’s resignation
BJP today demanded the resignation of Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah following death of two persons in
violence over Tipu Sultan’s birth anniversary celebrations in the State. Briefing reporters in New Delhi party spokesperson Sambit Patra also accused Mr Siddaramaiah of failing to handle the law and order situation. Taking a swipe at Congress President Sonia Gandhi,Mr Patra asked if Mrs Gandhi will now lead a march against this and seek Mr Siddaramaiah’s ouster.
Referring to the alleged death threats received by Jnanpith awardee Girish Karnad and BJP MP Prathap Simha on social media, Mr Patra sought a probe into the matter. He also expressed concern that no arrest has been made in the murder of rationalist M M Kalburgi so far.