Mangaluru : The BJP Dakshina Kannada unit on Friday staged protest in front of DC’s office  against the state government celebrating Tipu Jayanti.

Addressing the protesters Brijesh Chowta, general secretary, BJP district committee said, BJP condemns the government’s move and despite it being a government programme. The Muslim community itself has clarified that Tipu is not a true Muslim. But Kumaraswamy government has decided to continue celebrating Tipu Jayanti which was started by Siddaramaiah government.

He also said, Our MLAs have already sent letters to the government. They have stated that they will not be participating in this particular event. We cannot accept Tipu, who is a communal leader, non- believer and autocratic ruler,” he said.

MP Nalin Kumar Kateel said chief minister Siddaramaiah initiated Tipu Jayanthi celebrations in 2015 in order to incite the communal sentiments of the people. He said there was nothing but politics behind the celebration.

Robert Rosario, member of Kraistara Rashtriya Okkuta said, “Tipu was a murderer and he never tolerated people from religions like Christians and Hindus. He killed more than sixty thousand Christians and destroyed several churches in South Canara. Hindus saved some churches during his rule. He tried to build his own empire. Forcefully he converted thousands of Christians to Islam. By celebrating his Jayanti, Kumaraswamy government is doing a big mistake. As continuation of this, tomorrow someone will come with a demand of Kasab Jayanthi or Veerappan Jayanthi. Some naxal minded communists will back them. So it is our demand to the government to withdraw Tipu Jayanti immediately.”

MLAs Vedavyas Kamath, Bharath Shetty, party leaders Pratap Simha Nayak, Anwar Manippady, former legislator Yogish Bhat, anthosh Kumar Boliyar, Sanjay Prabhu and others were present.