"Tipu fought four Anglo-Mysore wars; RSS didn't particpate in freedom struggle:" Priyank Kharge on Tehrik-e-Khudadaad memorandum

The memorandum submitted to the Karnataka government urges authorities to restore official Tipu Sultan Jayanti celebrations and implement eight major initiatives

The BJP needs to get its history right. Tipu Sultan fought four Anglo-Mysore Wars. The RSS did not even participate in the freedom struggle. They did not participate in the Civil Disobedience Movement, they did not participate in the Quit India Movement, they were not part of any of the Round Table Conferences, and they did not participate in the Dandi March or the Non-Cooperation Movement. They did nothing. And they are the ones dictating terms," said Kharge.

The Karnataka Minister also pointed to former Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa's past praise of Tipu Sultan in a book, describing the BJP's current stance as pure opportunistic politics and asserting that the party acts pro minority when seeking votes but alters its behaviour after the elections.

"The BJP was saying no to Tipu Jayanti when Yediyurappa ji was the Chief Minister. He sang praises of Tipu Sultan in a book. You cannot take away Tipu Sultans contributions to the state. This is nothing but politics. When they want votes, they are pro-minority. When they dont, they behave like this. The government will take a decision. You cannot simply erase history, whether you like it or not," added Kharge.

Kharge's remarks came after the cultural organisation Tehrik-e-Khudadad sent a memorandum addressed to Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, requesting the state government to reinstate the official observance of Tipu Sultan Jayanti on November 10.

The organisation also appealed to authorities to examine school textbooks to ensure providing historically accurate coverage of Tipu Sultan and Hyder Ali. The proposal remains pending before the Chief Minister's Office. (ANI)